Become a Vital Advocate for Local Agriculture: County Program Analyst in Riverhead, NY

Are you looking to build a dynamic, service-oriented career that directly impacts your local community? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened an exciting opportunity for a County Program Analyst within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Riverhead, New York.

This position, with a salary range of $48,005 to $94,563 per year, represents an incredible entry-to-mid-level career path. Operating under Title 7 authority, this unique role is open to the public and is ideal for recent college graduates, business professionals, and individuals with agricultural backgrounds. Riverhead is the agricultural hub of Long Island's Suffolk County, making it the perfect setting to contribute to the economic stability of local farming operations.

About the Agency: The USDA Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is one of the pillars of the USDA. The FSA's core mission is to equitably serve all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. These initiatives include disaster assistance, conservation programs, commodity price support, and farm loan programs.

By joining the FSA team, you become part of a larger community dedicated to securing the nation's food supply and protecting precious natural resources. The agency prides itself on offering a friendly, supportive, and professional environment. Employee satisfaction is prioritized through flexible scheduling, comprehensive healthcare offerings, and robust retirement planning, ensuring a healthy balance between your career and your home life.

Job Responsibilities

As a County Program Analyst, you will serve as the hands-on administrator of agricultural programs. You will interact daily with local producers, helping them navigate complex federal programs. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Program Administration: Managing and carrying out daily office activities associated with one or more agricultural programs assigned to the Suffolk County office.
Stakeholder Consultation: Interpreting, explaining, and clarifying policies, procedures, and official regulations to agricultural producers, program applicants, and fellow agency personnel.
Information Systems Management: Utilizing a suite of advanced, web-based software programs to input, track, and maintain producer records and execute automated forms.
Problem-Solving and Initiative: Employing a high degree of independent judgment to plan out tasks, organize work schedules, and resolve minor customer service or operational challenges as they arise.

Qualification Requirements: A Roadmap to Eligibility

This position can be filled at the CO-05, CO-07, or CO-09 grade levels. To ensure your application is successful, you must meet specific criteria based on either educational achievements, specialized work experience, or a combination of the two.

Career Grade Level Matrix

Grade Level	Education Path	Experience Path	Special Pathways
CO-05	4 years of education above high school in any accredited field.	1 year of general work supporting programs, office customer service, or agricultural operations.	Combination of eligible education and general experience.
CO-07	1 full year of graduate-level education.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-05 level in agricultural analysis.	Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA or 3.5 major GPA.
CO-09	Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressive graduate study.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-07 level in agricultural policy examination.	Combination of eligible graduate education and specialized experience.

Understanding Specialized Experience

For the CO-07 Level: Your resume must demonstrate knowledge of basic analytical principles, fact-finding techniques, and problem-solving methodologies as they apply to agricultural program evaluations.
For the CO-09 Level: Your resume must demonstrate advanced knowledge of agricultural program policies. You must have experience independently reviewing applications, examining supporting evidence, and analyzing program effectiveness to recommend local operational improvements.

Note: Current and former federal or FSA county employees must list their specific grade levels for every position held to demonstrate equivalent specialized experience.

Salary Overview & Compensation Structure

The compensation for this position starts at $48,005 at the entry-level CO-05 step and scales up to a maximum of $94,563 at the CO-09 level. While this is classified as a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position, the salary scales closely match the standard Federal General Schedule (GS) locality pay for the New York area.

Selectees are eligible for regular step increases and potential promotions based on performance, demonstrated capabilities, and agency budget allocations. There is excellent long-term earning potential, with the Suffolk County location offering a highly competitive local cost-of-living adjustment.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

When you join the Farm Service Agency, you receive an industry-leading benefits package designed to safeguard your physical, financial, and emotional well-being:

Flexible Scheduling: Flexible working hours and compressed work weeks help you integrate your job seamlessly into your personal life.
Paid Time Off: Generous leave accrual, including 11 paid federal holidays, paid sick leave, and escalating annual paid vacation days.
Health and Wellness: A wide array of comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options, including flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Retirement Planning: An robust retirement annuity structure paired with a supplemental savings plan, allowing you to invest securely in your future.
Life and Long-Term Care: Group life insurance policies and long-term care insurance to cover unexpected health developments.

Insider Application Tips for Success

Applying for a government-affiliated role requires precision. Follow these insider tips to ensure your package reaches the hiring manager:

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Any pages beyond this limit will be discarded and not evaluated.
Quantify Your Work Experience: For every job listed, state your exact start and end dates (e.g., May 2022 to June 2024), your weekly hours worked (e.g., 40 hours/week), and your exact job title. If you omit these, your experience will not be credited.
Submit Transcripts Early: If you are qualifying based on education or Superior Academic Achievement, upload clear, legible copies of your unofficial transcripts. Official copies will be required prior to entering on duty.
Do Not Use Portfolios: Upload standard documents like PDFs, Word files (.docx), or plain text (.txt). The USA Staffing portal cannot view Adobe Portfolio files, which may lead to your application being marked incomplete.
Review the Questionnaire: Before submitting, inspect the online Assessment Questionnaire via the public preview link. Ensure your resume contains concrete examples that validate your answers on the questionnaire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes this position 'Non-Civil Service'?

Under Title 7 authorities, certain USDA county office positions are classified outside the traditional federal civil service. While the classification system is slightly different, the work environment, standard retirement structures, health benefits, and leave policies are exceptionally similar to federal civil service careers.

Is telework available for this position?

According to the current job posting, telework is not designated as eligible for this position. It is structured as an in-person role located at the county office in Riverhead, NY.

Who can I contact if I need assistance with the online portal?

If you experience a technical hardship, you can contact Cody Jones via email at [email protected] well before the closing date. For general inquiries, you can call the agency point of contact, Nancy Lee, at 315-477-6344 or email [email protected].

Can foreign education be used to qualify?

Yes. If you completed your education at a foreign university, you must submit proof of credential evaluation from a recognized, private organization certified by the U.S. Department of Education.

The County Program Analyst position with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Riverhead, New York, is more than just an administrative job—it is a launchpad into public service and a career supporting the critical agricultural infrastructure of Suffolk County. With a starting salary reaching up to $94,563, comprehensive benefits, and clear growth potential, this is an unmatched opportunity to make a lasting impact. Build your federal-style resume, gather your transcripts, and submit your application before the September 9, 2026 deadline to begin your career journey with the USDA.

Why This County Progran Analyst Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career supporting American agriculture as a County Program Analyst with the USDA Farm Service Agency in scenic Riverhead, New York.

County Progran Analyst Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a motivated County Program Analyst to join its team in Riverhead, New York. In this role, you will serve as a vital link between federal agricultural programs and local producers in Suffolk County. You will administer critical agricultural programs, interpret guidelines, manage producer databases, and solve local operational challenges. This position offers a ladder from CO-05 to CO-09, providing an exceptional career path for individuals with a passion for agriculture, customer service, or public administration.

Requirements for County Progran Analyst

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must meet qualification standards by the closing date of the announcement.
Submission of a professional resume not exceeding two (2) pages.
Submission of college transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Ability to obtain credentialing/adjudication for a non-sensitive/low-risk security position.
Must provide required documentation (such as SF-50 or performance appraisals for current/former federal employees) within 7 days of a tentative job offer.

Preferred Qualifications for County Progran Analyst

A degree or background in agriculture, business administration, public policy, or a related field.
Experience working directly with agricultural communities or farmers.
Strong technical proficiency with web-based software applications and database management.
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex regulations and communicate them clearly to diverse audiences.
Exceptional conflict resolution and customer service skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous salary range ($48,005 - $94,563 per year).
✓Friendly and collaborative professional working environment.
✓Flexible hours and work schedules to support work-life balance.
✓Paid annual vacation and sick leave.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive retirement system and supplemental savings plans (similar to TSP).
✓Wide selection of health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
✓Long-term care insurance options.

💡 How to Apply County Progran Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for County Progran Analyst Job

Read the entire USAJobs job announcement and all instructions thoroughly.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it does not exceed two pages and lists all relevant experience, employment dates (month/year), work schedules, and weekly hours worked.
Gather your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted initially) if you are qualifying based on education.
Click the 'Apply' link in USAJobs to redirect to the agency's USA Staffing portal.
Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume along with all required supporting documents.
Verify that your uploaded documents have successfully transferred into the Agency's staffing system.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit. Any content beyond two pages will not be evaluated.
For every position listed on your resume, clearly state the title, start/end dates (MM/YYYY), and hours worked per week. Missing details can result in a determination of ineligibility.
If you are a current or former federal or FSA county employee, ensure your resume lists your exact GS or CO grade levels for past roles.
Use your transcripts to claim Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the CO-07 level if your GPA is 3.0 or higher. Upload a clear, legible copy of your unofficial transcripts.
Do not upload Adobe Portfolio files, as they are incompatible with the review system. Stick to PDF, DOC, or DOCX formats under 5MB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a federal civil service position?

No. This is a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position. However, it offers a highly competitive salary, growth opportunities, and standard federal benefits.

Where is this job located?

The position is based in the Suffolk County Farm Service Agency Office in Riverhead, New York.

Does veterans' preference apply to this vacancy?

No, veterans' preference does not apply to this specific position because it is being advertised under Title 7 special authorities.

Are relocation expenses authorized?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. Selected candidates must cover their own relocation costs.

What is the promotion potential of this role?

The promotion potential is up to the CO-09 level. Selectees may start at the CO-05, CO-07, or CO-09 level depending on qualifications, with future advancements dependent on performance, administrative approval, and agency needs.