Launch Your Federal Career as a Grants Management Specialist with the USDA

Are you looking to transition into a mission-driven career that supports national scientific advancement? The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is currently accepting applications for the role of Grants Management Specialist. This position is vital to the infrastructure of American agriculture, ensuring that high-level research receives the necessary funding and administrative support to thrive.

Job Responsibilities

As a Grants Management Specialist, your daily contributions will impact the trajectory of major research projects. Your primary responsibilities include:

Lifecycle Administration: Handling all stages of grants, from pre-award negotiations to final close-out.
Regulatory Compliance: Reviewing project proposals to ensure they align with federal statues and agency policies.
Fiscal Oversight: Monitoring budget plans and property reports to ensure resources are utilized effectively.
Collaborative Support: Partnering with scientists and agency staff to resolve conflicts related to procurement, safety, and health.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several baseline requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Selective Service: Males born after 1959 must be registered.
Verification: Successful completion of background and E-Verify checks.
Documentation: Submission of a concise two-page resume and relevant educational transcripts.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this role is between $61,722 and $145,468 annually, depending on your experience level (GS-09 to GS-12) and your assigned geographic location. Below is a breakdown of base ranges by city:

Location	Salary Range
Albany, CA	$77,161 - $145,468
Fort Collins, CO	$68,819 - $129,742
Athens, GA	$65,271 - $123,052
Peoria, IL	$61,722 - $116,362
Salt Lake City, UT	$61,722 - $116,362

Benefits

Joining the USDA grants team comes with a robust federal benefits package, which includes comprehensive medical insurance, generous retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements including telework. You may also be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. This is a hard limit.
Documentation: Ensure all transcripts are in English or include a certified translation.
Stay Timely: The application deadline is August 19, 2026. Do not wait until the final hour to submit.
USA Hire: If you are selected to take the USA Hire assessment, set aside 2 hours for uninterrupted testing.

Can I work remotely?

This position is eligible for telework, though it is not a fully remote position. Please consult your hiring manager for specific schedule policies.

If you possess strong analytical skills and a passion for public service, the Agricultural Research Service offers an unparalleled environment to grow your career. By managing the grants that fuel scientific innovation, you become an essential part of the American agricultural future.

Why This Grants Management Specialist Job Matters

Launch a high-impact federal career with the USDA Agricultural Research Service as a Grants Management Specialist, where your work directly supports cutting-edge scientific innovation.

Grants Management Specialist Job Overview

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking dedicated professionals for the Grants Management Specialist position. Based within the Grants and Agreements Management Branch, this role is critical to the success of America's premier in-house agricultural research agency. You will manage the full lifecycle of extramural grants—from pre-award negotiations to post-award monitoring—ensuring that vital agricultural research is funded, tracked, and compliant with federal regulations. This role offers the opportunity to work across various scientific disciplines, supporting projects that impact field-to-table food production and national agricultural policy.

Requirements for Grants Management Specialist

Must be a United States Citizen or National.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (males born after 12/31/1959).
Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Agreement to use direct deposit for all federal pay.
Successful completion of E-Verify employment verification.
Must serve a one-year probationary period upon appointment.

Preferred Qualifications for Grants Management Specialist

One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (or equivalent).
Strong proficiency in federal grant administration, including cost principles and audit requirements.
Experience in negotiating and analyzing extramural research agreements.
Degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or law.
Expertise in advising staff on organizational policy and federal regulatory compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Flexible work arrangements (eligible for telework)
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Retirement savings plans with government matching
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays

💡 How to Apply Grants Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Grants Management Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and veterans' preference documents.
Click the Apply Online button on the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents.
Submit the application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Verify that your uploaded documents (PDF, Word, TXT) are legible and under 5MB.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly for application status updates.
Practice using the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with assessments.
Ensure all education transcripts clearly display your name and course information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Grants Management Specialist do at the ARS?

You are responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of federal grants, including negotiating awards, reviewing financial reports, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting researchers.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

While the position is not listed as fully remote, it is eligible for telework, allowing for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy.

What happens if my resume is over two pages?

You will be removed from consideration. Strict adherence to the page limit is a required element of the application process.

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, the position is open to the public as well as federal employees via career transition programs.

Job from Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) serves as the primary internal research branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With a goal to solve agricultural problems that impact every American from the farm to the dinner table, ARS scientists work on everything from climate resilience to food safety. The Grants and Agreements Management Branch provides the essential fiscal and administrative framework that makes this research possible.