Become a Federal Agronomist with the USDA: A Career in Science and Policy
Are you a subject matter expert in agronomy with a passion for federal policy? The USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist is looking for a senior-level Agronomist to join the Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) in Raleigh, North Carolina. This high-impact role is designed for professionals ready to shape the future of pesticide regulation and agricultural sustainability.
Job Responsibilities
As an Agronomist, you will serve as an authoritative voice on weed management practices and herbicide registration. Your core duties include:
- Developing scientific documents regarding risk and benefit assessments for pesticides.
- Providing technical guidance on federal laws like the FQPA and FIFRA.
- Leading workshops and participating in national panels to represent the USDA.
- Analyzing the economic and biological impacts of regulatory decisions.
| Responsibility Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Guidance | Interpreting FQPA/FIFRA for agency leadership |
| Scientific Assessment | Conducting herbicide risk and benefit reviews |
| Stakeholder Liaison | Coordinating with EPA, FDA, and Land Grant universities |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-14 position, you must possess:
- A degree in agronomy or a related science (30+ semester hours of plant science).
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-13 level.
- Proficiency in conducting scientific risk assessments for herbicides.
- A two-page maximum resume.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $131,342 to $170,750 per year, commensurate with federal pay scales and experience.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday schedule.
- Potential for recruitment incentives.
Application Tips
- Watch the Page Count: Submitting a resume longer than two pages will result in your application being removed from consideration.
- Be Specific: Use clear language to define your experience with federal pesticide laws and risk management.
- Complete Assessments: If prompted for the USA Hire assessment, prepare to spend 3-4 hours completing it. Your scores are often valid for one year.
This role offers a unique intersection of scientific rigor and legislative influence. If you are ready to apply your agronomic mastery to impact the national agricultural landscape, review the application requirements and submit your materials before the August 17th deadline.
Why This Agronomist Job Matters
Influence the future of American agriculture by providing critical scientific expertise on herbicide regulation and weed management within the USDA's Office of the Chief Economist.
Agronomist Job Overview
The USDA Office of the Chief Economist is seeking a highly qualified Agronomist for the Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) in Raleigh, North Carolina. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between scientific research and federal pesticide policy. As an expert advisor, you will coordinate pest management strategies, evaluate the risks and benefits of herbicide registration, and represent the Department’s interests in regulatory decisions impacting the agricultural landscape.
Requirements for Agronomist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Completion of a degree in agronomy or a related science discipline with at least 30 semester hours in basic plant sciences, including 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects.
- Must meet one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.
- Mastery knowledge of federal pesticide laws, including FQPA, FIFRA, and FFDCA.
- Ability to conduct complex risk and benefit assessments for herbicide regulatory decisions.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Must provide transcripts if qualifying via education.
Preferred Qualifications for Agronomist
- Experience leading complex analyses regarding pesticide impacts on large-scale ecological and specialty crop systems.
- Proven track record of coordinating scientific activities across multiple government agencies, such as the EPA and FDA.
- Strong communication skills for briefing senior officials and presenting complex data to diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience in identifying and evaluating regulatory alternatives and risk mitigation strategies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Program
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays and Leave
- ✓Professional Development Opportunities
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
💡 How to Apply Agronomist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Agronomist Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Click the 'Apply' button to initiate the online process.
- Complete the required assessment questionnaires.
- Upload a two-page maximum resume and all necessary supporting documentation (transcripts, SF-50 if applicable).
- Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal and check for notifications regarding USA Hire assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Clearly link your work experience to the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are in an acceptable format (PDF, DOCX, TXT, etc.) and under 5MB.
- Set aside 3-4 hours of uninterrupted time if you are required to complete the USA Hire assessment.
- Verify that your SF-50 forms and performance appraisals are the most recent versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the Office of Pest Management Policy?
OPMP integrates pest management efforts across the USDA, provides data to the EPA for pesticide regulatory decisions, and serves as a liaison for farmers and grower organizations.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this position is not listed as telework eligible.
What is the risk level of this position?
This position is designated as Moderate Risk (MR).
How do I know if my foreign education is accepted?
You must provide a credential evaluation from a recognized U.S. organization showing your education is equivalent to U.S. standards.
Job from Office Of The Chief Economist
The Office of the Chief Economist provides leadership across the food and agriculture sectors. The OPMP is a critical arm of this agency, serving as the departmental focal point for all issues related to pest management. They ensure that federal regulations are backed by sound science, working closely with the EPA and state institutions to protect our nation's natural resources and food supply.