Become an Intelligence Operations Specialist at the USDA Office of Homeland Security
Are you looking to pivot your career toward a mission-critical role that safeguards the nation's food and agricultural infrastructure? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently hiring an Intelligence Operations Specialist in Kansas City, Missouri. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of agricultural science and national security.
Job Responsibilities
As an Intelligence Operations Specialist, you will be a key contributor to the Continuity & Emergency Programs Division. Your primary duties include:
- Analysis: Interpreting multisource intelligence to write finished intelligence products focused on agricultural threats.
- Strategic Planning: Incorporating complex intelligence issues into the department's strategic plans.
- Coordination: Acting as a liaison between the USDA, the broader Intelligence Community, and law enforcement agencies.
- Research: Conducting special studies on biodefense, agroterrorism, and health security to support departmental decision-making.
Comparison Table: Role Requirements
| Category | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-13 |
| Security Clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information |
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages Max |
| Emergency Readiness | 24/7 On-call Availability |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet strict federal qualifications. This includes at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level. Your background should reflect a strong command of counterintelligence analysis, specifically within the food or agriculture sectors. Furthermore, as this is a high-risk security role, you will be subject to an extensive background investigation and mandatory drug screening.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 grade level. The annual salary range is currently set between $108,173 and $140,627, depending on qualifications and federal pay regulations.
Benefits
Working for the USDA provides access to federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement programs, and the potential for a stable, long-term career in public service. The role also provides the professional environment necessary to grow as an expert in national security.
Application Tips
- Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is non-negotiable. Ensure your most impactful experience is front and center.
- Be Thorough: When answering the application questionnaires, align your previous experience explicitly with the competencies mentioned in the announcement.
- Stay Responsive: Keep a close eye on your email after submission for the USA Hire assessment link.
Serving as an Intelligence Operations Specialist for the USDA is an impactful way to contribute to national safety. If you possess the required analytical expertise and are ready to tackle the challenges of agricultural security, prepare your application today.
Why This Intelligence Operations Specialist Job Matters
Protect the nation's food security and agricultural integrity by joining the USDA's Office of Homeland Security as an Intelligence Operations Specialist.
Intelligence Operations Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a highly skilled Intelligence Operations Specialist to work within the Office of Homeland Security (OHS), Continuity & Emergency Programs Division. In this critical role, you will analyze multisource intelligence to address complex national security issues related to food, agriculture, and biodefense. You will play a vital role in shaping finished intelligence products, assessing emerging threats, and coordinating with the Intelligence Community to ensure USDA stakeholders are well-informed and prepared.
Requirements for Intelligence Operations Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-12 level or equivalent).
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 federal grade level.
- Experience in intelligence analysis related to biodefense, food security, agroterrorism, or biotechnology.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
- Must pass mandatory drug testing.
- Resume must not exceed two pages; submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Must be available for 24-hour on-call duty in emergency situations, potentially involving extensive travel.
Preferred Qualifications for Intelligence Operations Specialist
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning and policy development regarding complex intelligence issues.
- Expertise in communicating intelligence research to high-level internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven track record of building and maintaining professional relationships across the Intelligence Community and law enforcement agencies.
- Advanced proficiency in evaluating the validity and reliability of high-volume, complex information datasets.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for telework eligibility.
- ✓Professional development and training in national security and intelligence.
- ✓Contribution to vital national safety and food security missions.
💡 How to Apply Intelligence Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Intelligence Operations Specialist Job
- Review the full announcement carefully before beginning.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Click the online application link to initiate your submission.
- Complete the required questionnaires and assessments.
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation, ensuring files are under 5MB.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for potential invitations to complete USA Hire assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly follows the two-page limit to avoid immediate disqualification.
- When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements related to national security, intelligence writing, and agriculture sector analysis.
- Double-check that all required SF-50s and performance appraisals are uploaded if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Complete the USA Hire assessments promptly; you will have a specific window of time to finish them once invited.
- Use the 'Track my application' feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance level for this position?
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, as it is designated as a Special-Sensitive (SS) High Risk role.
Is there a limit on the length of my resume?
Yes. Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Does this position involve travel?
Yes. Due to the nature of emergency operations, you may be required to travel for weeks or months with little notice, often working under stressful conditions.
What is the work schedule like?
*A: While standard hours apply, this role involves 24-hour on-call availability for emergencies.*
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
*A: No. Submitting a resume that exceeds two pages will result in immediate removal from consideration.*
Job from Homeland Security Staff
The Office of Homeland Security (OHS) within the USDA provides essential leadership on public policy, food safety, and natural resource management. By leveraging the best available science and efficient management practices, OHS works to ensure the sustainability of our nation’s food supply and protects agricultural production against emerging threats.