Become a County Program Analyst with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Nebraska

Are you looking to build a stable, rewarding career that directly supports the backbone of the American economy? The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has opened applications for the position of County Program Analyst in Nebraska. This is an incredible opportunity for individuals in Ainsworth and Broken Bow, Nebraska, to play a pivotal role in the local agricultural community.

Working for the Farm Service Agency allows you to help local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers access vital federal safety nets, conservation programs, and disaster assistance programs. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the agency, the day-to-day duties, the structural requirements of the role, salary opportunities, and tips for submitting a successful application.

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About the Agency: The Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The Farm Service Agency is a critical branch of the USDA. The FSA's core mission is to equitably serve all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. These programs help stabilize farm income, preserve water and soil resources, and provide emergency relief in times of natural disasters.

Unlike traditional federal jobs, the County Program Analyst positions operate under a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service framework. This means that while you enjoy robust federal benefits, a competitive salary scale, and a highly professional environment, your employment is governed under local county-level authorities. It offers the stability of a government role with a strong sense of local ownership and community integration. Working for the Nebraska FSA office connects you directly to the heart of American crop and livestock production.

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Job Responsibilities: A Day in the Life of a County Program Analyst

As a County Program Analyst, you will act as a critical liaison between complex federal policy and the hardworking producers who feed our nation. This is not a purely administrative back-office job; it requires high-level communication skills, critical thinking, and technical proficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Administering Agricultural Programs: Overseeing the day-to-day execution of one or more agricultural program areas in the county, ensuring compliance with both local and national guidelines.
• Producer Advising & Education: Explaining complex federal regulations, forms, and procedures clearly and concisely to local agricultural producers and neighboring agency partners.
• Modern Data Stewardship: Utilizing cutting-edge, web-based database programs to manage and update producer profiles, maps, land data, and financial transactions.
• Independent Problem Solving: Applying personal initiative and critical reasoning to troubleshoot issues, resolve customer-facing service challenges, and process automated program documents efficiently.

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Requirements & Qualifications by Grade Level

The FSA is hiring County Program Analysts across multiple grades (CO-05, CO-07, and CO-09), allowing entry points for those who have recently graduated from college, as well as seasoned professionals with years of analytical experience.

Grade Qualification Comparison Table

Pay Grade	Required Education	Alternative Specialized Experience	Combination of Both
CO-05	4 years of education above high school in any field (Bachelor's degree or equivalent).	1 year of general work experience in agriculture, customer service, or program support.	Yes, a proportional blend of post-high school education and general experience is acceptable.
CO-07	1 full year of graduate-level education OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) with a Bachelor's degree.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-05/GS-05 grade level.	Yes, a proportional blend of graduate-level education and specialized experience is acceptable.
CO-09	Master's degree (or equivalent) OR 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate study.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-07/GS-07 grade level.	Yes, a proportional blend of higher-level graduate education and specialized experience is acceptable.

Understanding Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)

For applicants wishing to enter at the CO-07 level using SAA, you must provide unofficial transcripts showing you meet one of the following criteria from an accredited university:

1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. A GPA of 3.5 or higher in your major field of study during your junior and senior years.
3. Ranking in the upper one-third of your graduating class.
4. Documented membership in a recognized National Scholastic Honor Society (excluding freshman honor societies).

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Salary Overview & Benefits

This position offers a strong starting salary range from $40,736 to $80,243 per year, based directly on your qualification level upon entry and performance metrics.

Because USDA FSA recognizes that employees perform best when they have a balanced personal life, they offer an exceptional benefits package designed to support physical, mental, and financial health:

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and predictable hours to accommodate family commitments.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choice of diverse medical, vision, dental, and long-term care plans.
• Retirement Planning: Full access to pension programs and employer-matching supplemental savings accounts.
• Generous Leave Accrual: Paid annual vacation days, dedicated sick leave, and paid federal holidays annually.
• Pre-Tax Financial Accounts: Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to cover eligible out-of-pocket medical and dependent care costs.

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Application Tips & Required Documents

Applying for a federal-adjacent position requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Missing documentation or a poorly organized resume can lead to automatic disqualification. Follow these crucial tips to ensure your package is considered:

1. Structure Your Resume to Fit the Guidelines

Your resume must be no longer than 2 pages. Ensure you explicitly include the following information for every job listed:

• The exact job title.
• Precise start and end dates (Month/Year format).
• The exact number of hours you worked per week.
• A detailed description of job duties demonstrating relevant customer service, analysis, or agricultural exposure.
• If you are a current or former federal or FSA county employee, you must state your previous Title and Grade (e.g., CO-05 or GS-07) on your resume.

2. Submit Complete Academic Transcripts

If you are using education to qualify for the CO-05, CO-07, or CO-09 levels, you must submit a clear, legible copy of your college transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application process, but they must display course titles, departments, credit hours, and grades. If selected, official transcripts must be provided prior to onboarding. For foreign degrees, you must submit proof of accreditation equivalency from an approved credentialing organization.

3. Review the Questionnaire Preview

Before you start, review the application questionnaire. The FSA makes this preview public so you can inspect the evaluation metrics and adjust your resume to ensure it fully documents the required skills.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the County Program Analyst role a remote position?

No. This position is located on-site in either Ainsworth, Nebraska, or Broken Bow, Nebraska. Telework is not authorized for this particular job opportunity.

Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply?

No. You must be a citizen or national of the United States to qualify for employment with the Farm Service Agency.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Your application may be deemed ineligible. The hiring authority enforces a strict two-page limit on resume submissions to ensure fair and equal evaluation of all applicants. Condense your work history to show only your most relevant experiences.

Who should I contact if I need a reasonable accommodation or have application issues?

For system issues or to request alternate application processes due to a disability or extreme internet hardship, contact Andrea Benes at 402-437-5455 or email [email protected] well before the closing deadline.

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The County Program Analyst position with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Nebraska represents more than just a job; it is a pathway to a secure, community-oriented career with real promotional potential. By assisting local farmers and ranchers in navigating essential USDA programs, you will play an active role in securing our national food systems. Be sure to gather your transcripts, tailor your resume to the strict 2-page limit, and submit your application via USA Staffing before the closing date on July 30, 2026.