Leading the Future of Agriculture: Associate Deputy Administrator (Livestock and Poultry)
In the heart of the American agricultural landscape, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable food supply. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is currently seeking a visionary leader for the position of Associate Deputy Administrator for the Livestock and Poultry Program. This Senior Executive Service (SES) opportunity is designed for top-tier administrators who are ready to make a significant impact on national policy and the economic vitality of our rural communities.
Job Responsibilities
As the Associate Deputy Administrator, your daily influence will span the entire national landscape of livestock and poultry operations:
- Strategic Leadership: Directing and coordinating large-scale program activities.
- Policy Development: Formulating and adapting service-wide policies to meet complex industry needs.
- Operational Oversight: Reviewing technical and economic data to ensure strategic accuracy.
- Stakeholder Management: Acting as a liaison between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
- Personnel Management: Leading geographically dispersed teams to meet high-performance objectives.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a candidate who can demonstrate executive-level competence through the following:
- Resume Submission: A strictly enforced 2-page limit applying to your entire application package.
- Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): Proven ability to lead people, drive results, and foster organizational culture.
- Technical Qualifications (TQ): Demonstrated expertise in directing financial, technical, and administrative programs.
- Security and Integrity: Willingness to undergo high-risk security clearance and adhere to rigorous ethics standards.
Comparison of SES Expectations
| Criteria | Requirement Type | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| ECQs | Leadership Competence | Strategic Vision & People Management |
| TQs | Technical Expertise | Livestock & Regulatory Industry Knowledge |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this Senior Executive Service position ranges from $204,122 to $216,010 per year, reflecting the high level of responsibility inherent in the role. In addition to a competitive base salary, incumbents are eligible for:
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive federal benefits (Insurance, Retirement, TSP).
- Flexible work-life arrangements including telework.
Application Tips
To stand out, focus on quality over quantity. Because the resume limit is so strict, every word must demonstrate value. Highlight specific accomplishments where you reduced waste, leveraged technology, or resolved complex managerial challenges. Ensure your resume maps directly to the ECQ competencies identified in the job announcement.
Serving as the Associate Deputy Administrator for the Livestock and Poultry Program is more than a job—it is a chance to define the trajectory of American agriculture. If you possess the executive drive to lead, innovate, and serve, we encourage you to submit your application and contribute to a stronger, more efficient USDA.
Why This Associate Deputy Administrator, Livestock And Poultry Job Matters
Step into a pivotal leadership role at the USDA, where your strategic expertise will shape the future of our nation’s livestock and poultry sectors.
Associate Deputy Administrator, Livestock And Poultry Job Overview
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking an Associate Deputy Administrator for the Livestock and Poultry Program. This high-impact Senior Executive Service (SES) role based in Kansas City, MO, requires a visionary leader capable of directing complex administrative and regulatory programs. You will be responsible for overseeing national operations, driving organizational excellence, and fostering critical relationships across the industry and government spectrum to ensure a robust agricultural infrastructure.
Requirements for Associate Deputy Administrator, Livestock And Poultry
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must submit a resume not to exceed 2 pages with 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font.
- Must possess and clearly demonstrate Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume.
- Must possess and clearly demonstrate Technical Qualifications (TQ) within the resume.
- Ability to pass a high-risk security clearance and drug testing.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Commitment to the Rule of Law and principles of the American Founding.
Preferred Qualifications for Associate Deputy Administrator, Livestock And Poultry
- Proven experience in directing geographically dispersed organizations.
- Expertise in livestock, poultry, meat, and grain industry marketing and regulatory policies.
- Demonstrated success in resource management and budget optimization.
- Prior certification by an OPM-approved Qualifications Review Board (QRB).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive SES salary range.
- ✓Performance-based bonuses and awards.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible work environments including potential telework options.
💡 How to Apply Associate Deputy Administrator, Livestock And Poultry Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Associate Deputy Administrator, Livestock And Poultry Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Draft a concise 2-page resume that integrates your ECQs and TQs.
- Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload all required supporting documents, ensuring they are under 5MB and in compatible formats.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the 2-page resume limit; excess pages will not be reviewed.
- Avoid separate narrative attachments for ECQs as they will not be considered.
- Customize your resume to directly address the competencies listed in the job description.
- Remove all Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as Social Security Numbers.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have successfully transferred to the agency's internal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be exactly 2 pages or fewer, using 0.8-inch margins and at least 11-point font.
Do I need to submit separate essays for the Executive Core Qualifications?
No, you must integrate your ECQs directly into your 2-page resume. Separate narrative statements will not be reviewed.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this role is designated as telework eligible, subject to agency policy.
What is the closing date for this application?
Applications must be received by September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Do I need a specific security clearance?
Yes, this is a High Risk / Secret-level position requiring successful adjudication.
Job from Agricultural Marketing Service
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service facilitates the strategic marketing of agricultural products, ensuring fair trading and consistent quality standards. By joining the AMS, you become part of a dedicated team committed to supporting production agriculture, fostering rural development, and expanding global market access for American-made goods. This role is grounded in a deep commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the principles of public service.