Advance Your Career in Agriculture: County Program Analyst and Trainee Opportunities with the USDA FSA in Kansas

Are you looking to build a stable, rewarding career that directly supports the heart of America’s rural economy? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is actively recruiting for the position of County Program Analyst/Trainee in Liberal and Oakley, Kansas. With a salary range spanning from $36,464 to $80,243 per year (CO-03 to CO-09), this progressive role provides an unparalleled career pathway for recent graduates, customer service professionals, and individuals passionate about agricultural stewardship.

Working for the FSA means serving as a local advocate for farmers and ranchers. As a County Program Analyst, you will translate complex federal policies into actionable support, ensuring that local producers receive the financial assistance, disaster relief, and conservation resources they need to thrive.

About the Agency: The Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency is one of the most vital components of the USDA. Its primary mission is to stabilize agricultural markets, secure farm livelihoods, and preserve the environment through various safety-net, conservation, and credit programs.

In Kansas, a state built on the back of heavy crop and livestock production, the FSA is an indispensable community partner. Employees enjoy a highly collaborative, professional work environment that balances public service with personal well-being. Unlike many other corporate or administrative positions, FSA careers offer flexible work schedules, predictable hours, and the profound satisfaction of knowing your daily efforts keep the American food supply chain stable and secure.

Job Responsibilities

As a County Program Analyst or Trainee, your day-to-day responsibilities will change with the seasons of the agricultural year. You are the face of the USDA in your local community. Key duties include:

Program Administration: Executing specialized office functions, eligibility evaluations, and payment processing tasks for federal conservation, price support, and disaster relief programs.
Customer Engagement: Welcoming local producers, answering complex inquiries, and guiding them through the application processes for various agency programs.
Regulatory Interpretation: Reading, interpreting, and explaining federal manuals, program guidelines, and administrative regulations to ensure flawless compliance.
Information Management: Utilizing enterprise GIS and database software to record, track, and manage agricultural land data, ownership records, and program participation metrics.
Operational Initiative: Exercising a high degree of judgment and proactive planning to resolve discrepancies in administrative documentation.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

This position is structured as a multi-grade career ladder. Applicants will be placed at a grade level (CO-03, CO-04, CO-05, CO-07, or CO-09) matching their highest level of qualifying education or experience.

CO-03 Requirements

Education: Successful completion of high school or a GED certificate.

CO-04 Requirements

Education: Two full years of study above high school (associate degree level) in any field from an accredited institution.
Experience: Three months of general work experience supporting projects, agricultural operations, or customer service environments.

CO-05 Requirements

Education: A completed 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
Experience: One year of general administrative, professional, or agricultural support experience demonstrating effective communication, analytical, and organization skills.

CO-07 Requirements

Education: One full year of graduate-level education, or qualification under the Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) program (requiring a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or ranking in the upper third of your graduating class).
Experience: One year of specialized administrative experience equivalent to the CO-05/GS-05 grade level, demonstrating skills in analyzing agricultural program requirements and applying fact-finding techniques.

CO-09 Requirements

Education: A completed master's degree or two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate study.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-07/GS-07 level, showcasing the ability to examine complex agricultural program applications independently.

Salary Overview & Qualification Comparison

To help visualize your potential entry point and growth path within the agency, review the grade classification matrix below:

Grade Level	Education Alternative	Experience Alternative	Target Competencies	This Position's Salary Potential
CO-03	High School Diploma / GED	None Required	Basic administrative tasks, willingness to learn.	$36,464 - $80,243 (Scale-wide range)
CO-04	2 Years of College / Associate's	3 Months General Work Experience	Data entry, simple record-keeping, basic customer support.	$36,464 - $80,243 (Scale-wide range)
CO-05	Bachelor's Degree	1 Year General Office / Ag Experience	Interpreting guidelines, organizing records, handling inquiries.	$36,464 - $80,243 (Scale-wide range)
CO-07	1 Year Graduate School or SAA	1 Year Specialized (CO-05 equiv.)	Analyzing regulations, applying analytical methods.	$36,464 - $80,243 (Scale-wide range)
CO-09	Master's Degree	1 Year Specialized (CO-07 equiv.)	Independent case review, process optimization, program leadership.	$36,464 - $80,243 (Scale-wide range)

Comprehensive Federal Benefits

Choosing a career with the Farm Service Agency grants you access to an industry-leading federal benefits package designed to safeguard your physical, financial, and mental health:

Paid Time Off: Earn paid annual leave (vacation time) based on your years of service, separate sick leave with no accrual limits, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Healthcare Coverage: Choose from dozens of competitive federal health insurance plans, plus separate dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
Retirement Security: Enjoy a secure lifetime pension through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) coupled with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features an agency-matching contribution of up to 5%.
Work-Life Balance: Access flexible core hours and specialized family leave programs to maintain a healthy integration of personal and professional duties.

Application Tips

To ensure your application reaches the hiring manager, pay close attention to these strategic application tips:

Observe the Strict Resume Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Any pages beyond this limit will not be evaluated, potentially leading to disqualification if your critical experience is listed on page three.
Include Clear Dates and Hours: For every professional experience listed, clearly include the month and year of employment, along with the average hours worked per week (e.g., "June 2023 - Present | 40 hours/week").
Submit Transcripts Promptly: If you are qualifying based on education, upload an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If selected, you will be required to furnish official copies before starting work.
Avoid File Errors: Ensure your documents are standard formats like PDF, Word, or JPG, and keep file sizes under 5MB. Do not submit portfolio-style PDFs, as the scanning software cannot read them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "Title 7 Non-Federal" position?

This designation means the position is non-civil service and is overseen by a local county committee system under Title 7 of the U.S. Code. While it mirrors standard federal roles in pay, structure, and benefits (like retirement and health insurance), it has slightly different administrative and hiring regulations. For instance, Veterans’ Preference does not apply to non-civil service positions.

Can I work remotely in this role?

No. Due to the high level of in-person producer contact and physical documentation required at county offices, this position is strictly on-site in Liberal or Oakley, Kansas.

What happens if I make an error on my application?

Errors, omissions, or misrepresentations of experience can lead to a finding of ineligibility. Double-check your uploads and review your responses on the Assessment Questionnaire carefully before submitting.

Is there relocation funding available?

No. The selected candidate is responsible for any personal relocation expenses.

The USDA FSA County Program Analyst/Trainee vacancy is an extraordinary chance to plant deep professional roots in the scenic communities of Western Kansas. Whether you select the vibrant agricultural hub of Liberal or the close-knit, historic crossroads of Oakley, you will play an active role in supporting the American farmer. Do not miss this chance to align your vocational skills with a noble mission. Ensure your documents are ready and apply online before the closing date on July 31, 2026.

Why This County Program Analyst/Trainee Job Matters

Launch or advance your public service career in Kansas by directly supporting American farmers with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

County Program Analyst/Trainee Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking motivated individuals to join their teams in Liberal and Oakley, Kansas as County Program Analysts or Trainees. This is a progressive career ladder position (CO-03 to CO-09) that serves as a vital bridge between federal agricultural policies and local producers. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a college student, or an experienced professional with a background in agricultural operations, this role offers an exceptional entry point into federal service with robust training, comprehensive benefits, and a focus on community impact.

Requirements for County Program Analyst/Trainee

Must be a US Citizen or National.
Must meet all educational or experience requirements by the application closing date.
Submission of a resume that does not exceed 2 pages in length.
Submission of college transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Ability to pass a low-risk background investigation and credentialing process.

Preferred Qualifications for County Program Analyst/Trainee

Familiarity with agricultural operations, crop production, or livestock management in the Midwest.
Experience using modern web-based databases and specialized enterprise software.
Strong interpersonal skills with a proven history of resolving customer service issues or disputes.
A degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or a related field.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Flexible hours and work-life balance options
✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave
✓11 paid federal holidays per year
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
✓Federal Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching
✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
✓Long-Term Care Insurance

💡 How to Apply County Program Analyst/Trainee Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for County Program Analyst/Trainee Job

Click the Apply Online link to access the USA Staffing system.
Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire to self-rate your experience.
Upload a professional resume that strictly complies with the 2-page limit.
Attach your unofficial college transcripts if you are using education to qualify.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 31, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Limit your resume to exactly two pages. The HR team will not review pages beyond this limit.
Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week and exact start/end dates (MM/YYYY) for each position.
Highlight specific agricultural program experience, customer service encounters, and software platforms you have used.
Preview the assessment questionnaire beforehand using the provided preview link to align your resume with the target competencies.
If you qualify under Superior Academic Achievement (GPA 3.0+), ensure your transcripts clearly show your cumulative GPA or class standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this position is not remote and is not telework-eligible. It requires on-site presence in either the Liberal or Oakley, Kansas offices to directly serve walk-in agricultural producers.

Does Veterans' Preference apply to this vacancy?

No. Because this position is being filled under Title 7 Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service authority, Veterans' Preference rules do not apply.

What is the promotion potential for this trainee position?

The position has promotion potential up to the CO-09 grade level. While promotions are not guaranteed, they are highly supported based on satisfactory job performance, administrative approval, and agency need.

Are relocation expenses covered for selected candidates?

No, relocation expenses or relocation incentives are not authorized for these positions. Selected candidates are responsible for their own moving costs.