Overview

An Agriculture Legislative Assistant serves as an agricultural policy expert for local, state, or federal elected or appointed officials within a congressional or administrative office. They assist in managing various aspects of the officials’ agriculture portfolio or other issues relating to the agricultural industry – including, but not limited to: agriculture, energy, environmental sciences, food, young and beginning farmers, commodities, etc.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Familiarity with legislative administrative and judicial systems.
• Maintain a working knowledge of legislative documents, legislation, policies, and initiatives.
• Track advancement of related bills through the legislative process. 
• Conduct research to make sound legislative recommendations or implementations to officials or other working counterparts.
• Garner support for the legislation and coordinate introduction of bills.
• Brief the official on such subject matter and prepare him or her for official remarks and appearances, votes, programmatic logistics, and/or policy implementation work.
• Respond to constituents via phone, email, or in written form in a timely, professional manner, regarding their needs or concerns.
• Occasionally attend events alongside of the official representative.

What education and training is required?

Most officials require that legislative assistants have at least a bachelor's degree in a related agricultural field, political science, law, journalism, or public relations. There are some roles that may start as internship or temporary positions and evolve into full-time positions.  

To pursue a career as an Agriculture Legislative Assistant

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, civics, economic courses, and business courses.

Where can I work?

Agriculture Legislative Assistants are employed by local, state, or federal elected or appointed officials within a congressional or administrative office.  

Future Job Market / Outlook
The future outlook for an agriculture legislative assistant will be great over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• Association of Government Relations Professionals
• State Agribusiness Associations
• Partisan Congressional Committees