Launch Your Career as a Budget Analyst with the USDA ARS
Are you looking to apply your analytical skills to projects that protect the nation’s agricultural interests? The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is hiring a Budget Analyst for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. This is a unique opportunity to provide fiscal stewardship in a high-impact environment.
Job Responsibilities
The successful candidate will oversee the budget for the Biological Development Module. Key duties include:
- Monitoring the execution of approved operating budgets.
- Preparing financial reports for the Office of Management and Budget and Congress.
- Managing fund adjustments and tracking the inflow/outflow of accounts.
- Developing and enforcing internal controls for appropriated and trust funds.
Skills Comparison
| Competency | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Financial Reporting | High |
| Mathematical Reasoning | High |
| Attention to Detail | High |
| Team Collaboration | Medium |
Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and satisfy all federal hiring requirements, including registration for the Selective Service and passing an E-Verify check. You must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to a GS-07 level or provide proof of advanced graduate education in a relevant field such as Finance or Accounting.
Salary and Benefits
This position is graded at the GS-09 level, with a starting salary range of $61,722 to $80,243 per year. Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including retirement planning, comprehensive insurance, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Over-length resumes result in disqualification.
- Check your Documents: Ensure all transcripts are legible and include the necessary course/degree information.
- Stay Responsive: If prompted for a USA Hire Assessment, complete it within the requested timeframe.
If you have a knack for numbers and a desire to contribute to national security, this Budget Analyst role is an excellent path forward. Submit your application by the closing date to join the USDA ARS team in Manhattan.
Why This Budget Analyst Job Matters
Join the forefront of agricultural security in Manhattan, Kansas, as a Budget Analyst with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). Help manage the critical fiscal operations for cutting-edge biological research.
Budget Analyst Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking a detail-oriented Budget Analyst to support the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). In this role, you will be a vital member of the administrative team, overseeing the budget and fiscal operations of the Biological Development Module and managing a comprehensive 10-year budget plan. This position offers an exciting opportunity to provide financial oversight for a facility dedicated to solving complex agricultural challenges.
Requirements for Budget Analyst
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Ability to pass an E-Verify employment check.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Enrollment in mandatory direct deposit for federal pay.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Budget Analyst
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent involving budget review, financial data analysis, and report preparation.
- Master’s degree or two full years of graduate-level education in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
- A combination of graduate education and professional experience totaling at least 100% of qualification requirements.
- Proficiency in analyzing complex financial spreadsheets and managing fund apportionments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure (GS-09).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential for flexible work arrangements as per agency policy.
💡 How to Apply Budget Analyst Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Budget Analyst Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account and initiate the application for this announcement.
- Answer the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Attach all required documents, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Submit your application before the closing date of July 13, 2026.
- Check your email for instructions regarding the USA Hire Assessments if you are prompted to complete them.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes clear details on work history, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Keep uploaded documents under 5MB to ensure compatibility with the agency system.
- Do not use Adobe Portfolio formatting, as these files cannot be processed.
- Complete the USA Hire Assessments promptly if prompted; these scores are valid for one year.
- Verify that your uploaded transcripts clearly show the school name and course credit information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a background check required for this role?
Yes, this position requires a successful adjudication of a background investigation and fingerprint check as part of the hiring process.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be excluded from consideration.
Can I use volunteer work to meet the experience requirements?
Yes, qualifying experience can include paid and unpaid roles, such as volunteer work through organizations like the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.
What is the probation period?
There is a one-year probationary period for new federal hires.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation eligibility is marked as true for this position; please check the specific vacancy announcement for details.
Job from Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the USDA's principal internal research agency. From field to table, the agency focuses on finding innovative solutions to agricultural challenges that directly affect the daily lives of Americans. Working at the NBAF means being part of a world-class facility dedicated to safeguarding the nation's food supply and agricultural security.