Seeking a Career in Public Service? Become a County Program Analyst with the USDA Farm Service Agency

American agriculture is the backbone of the nation's economy, food security, and rural heritage. Supporting this massive industry requires a dedicated network of administrative professionals who understand both the operational needs of farmers and the complexities of federal program regulations. If you are analytical, detailed-oriented, and passionate about community development, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has an outstanding career opportunity for you.

The Farm Service Agency is currently seeking a motivated individual to serve as a County Program Analyst in Wallingford, Connecticut. This crucial role acts as the primary conduit between the federal government's agricultural policies and the local farmers who rely on them. With a competitive salary range of $48,005 to $94,563 per year and clear promotion potential, this position offers an exceptional career path for recent college graduates, administrative specialists, and agricultural advocates alike.

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About the Agency: The USDA Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dedicated to implementing agricultural policy, administering credit and loan programs, and managing conservation, commodity, disaster, and emergency defense programs. FSA’s mission is to equitably serve all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners, ensuring a robust and safe food supply while conserving natural resources.

The New Haven County FSA Office, situated in the historic town of Wallingford, Connecticut, serves a diverse agricultural community. From orchards and vegetable farms to dairy operations and nursery growers, Connecticut’s farmers face unique regional challenges. Working for the Connecticut FSA means joining a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your daily efforts directly impact local livelihoods and preserve the scenic working landscapes of New England.

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Job Responsibilities

As a County Program Analyst, you will not merely sit behind a desk; you will actively participate in the local agricultural economy. Your responsibilities will blend technical administrative work with face-to-face customer service.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Program Delivery and Administration: Carrying out daily business activities, administrative processes, and technical operations associated with one or more agricultural assistance programs overseen by the county office.
• Public Outreach and Consultation: Interpreting, explaining, and clarifying complex program rules, federal regulations, eligibility guidelines, and application forms for agricultural producers, landowners, and other agency stakeholders.
• Data Systems Management: Utilizing various proprietary web-based software platforms to update and maintain detailed producer records, map boundaries, and process automated application forms.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Utilizing a high degree of independent judgment and initiative to plan your daily workload, evaluate applicant eligibility, and systematically resolve administrative discrepancies as they arise.

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Qualification Requirements

The USDA FSA uses a flexible qualification structure that allows candidates to qualify based on their formal education, their professional work experience, or a balanced combination of both. The position is open at three distinct grade levels: CO-05, CO-07, and CO-09.

Career Progression and Educational Matrix

To help you determine where your background fits, review the following comparative pathway matrix:

Grade Level	Education Pathway	Experience Pathway	Alternative / S.A.A.
CO-05	4 years of education above high school in any accredited field.	1 year of general work experience in office administration, agriculture, or customer service.	A combination of qualifying post-high school education and general experience.
CO-07	1 full year of graduate-level education from an accredited institution.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-05/GS-05 grade level.	Superior Academic Achievement: Bachelor's degree with a 3.0+ overall GPA, 3.5+ major GPA, or top 1/3 class ranking.
CO-09	Master's degree or 2 full years of progressively higher graduate study.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-07/GS-07 grade level.	A combination of master's-level study and specialized experience.

Understanding Specialized Experience

• For the CO-07 Level: Specialized experience must demonstrate foundational knowledge of fact-finding, analytical techniques, and problem-solving methods as they relate to evaluating agricultural program rules.
• For the CO-09 Level: Specialized experience must demonstrate the ability to independently analyze agricultural applications, parse supporting financial or physical farm documents, and evaluate program operational efficiency to recommend administrative improvements.

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Salary Overview

The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $48,005 to $94,563 annually, depending on the grade level at which you enter and your previous experience.

This role is advertised with a promotion potential to the CO-09 level. While selection at a lower grade (such as CO-05 or CO-07) means starting at a lower salary tier, it provides an structured pathway for rapid career and salary advancement. Future promotion is dependent upon your performance, the administrative needs of the county office, and supervisor approval, offering a stable and rewarding path for upward mobility within the USDA ecosystem.

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Benefits

Although this is a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position, employees receive an exceptional, comprehensive benefits package that mirrors those offered to traditional federal civil servants. These benefits are designed to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being throughout your career.

• Work-Life Integration: Take advantage of flexible working schedules and pre-arranged hours to maintain a healthy balance between your office responsibilities and personal life.
• Paid Time Off: Accrue generous paid vacation days, separate sick leave, and receive 11 paid federal holidays off each year.
• Healthcare Coverage: Choose from a wide array of premium federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance plans to protect you and your family.
• Financial Security: Build a secure future with a robust retirement pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features tax-advantaged savings and matching agency contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Save money on taxes by allocating pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses and dependent care programs.

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Application Tips for Success

Federal and county-level application processes require careful preparation. To ensure your application packet clears the initial HR screening and advances to the hiring manager, keep these critical tips in mind:

1. Respect the Two-Page Resume Limit: The hiring office enforces a strict two-page limit on resumes. If your resume is even one page over this limit, you run a severe risk of being excluded from consideration. Be concise, clear, and impactful.
2. Quantify Your Work History: For each job listed, you must state your exact employment dates (Month/Year), your weekly hours worked, and your official job title. If you are a current or former federal employee, you must explicitly document your pay plan, series, and grade level.
3. Provide High-Quality Transcripts: If you are qualifying based on your college degree or under the Superior Academic Achievement provision, you must upload a readable copy of your college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are perfectly acceptable during the initial review, but they must list all courses, credit hours, and grades earned.
4. Align Your Resume with the Assessment: The online application includes an Assessment Questionnaire. Review your answers carefully and ensure that your resume contains clear, verifiable evidence that supports your self-ratings. Overstating your experience can result in a determination of ineligibility.
5. Submit Early and Check Formats: Ensure your documents are uploaded in approved formats (PDF or Word are ideal) and are under 5MB in size. Do not upload encrypted files or Adobe Portfolio documents, as they are incompatible with the review system.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Title 7, Non-Federal position?

Title 7 positions are unique to the Farm Service Agency’s county office system. While you are considered a non-federal employee, you receive equivalent pay scales, federal health insurance, retirement plans, and leave benefits. The main difference is that these positions are governed by local FSA County Committees.

Is relocation authorized for this position?

No. Relocation expenses and incentive benefits are not authorized for this vacancy. Candidates are expected to commute to or relocate to the Wallingford, Connecticut area at their own expense.

Is there a telework option?

No, this position is fully on-site and is not designated as telework-eligible. You will work directly out of the New Haven County FSA Office in Wallingford, Connecticut, to ensure consistent face-to-face service for visiting agricultural producers.

Who can I contact if I have trouble submitting my online application?

If you experience technical issues or face an administrative hardship that prevents you from applying online, you can contact the Agency HR Contact, Cody Jones, via email at [email protected] well before the closing date to request an alternative submission method.

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The County Program Analyst position at the USDA Farm Service Agency is more than just an administrative job—it is an opportunity to champion the agricultural communities of Connecticut. By helping farmers navigate complex USDA programs, you directly contribute to the sustainability of local food systems and rural economies.

With competitive pay, fantastic benefits, and room to grow, this Wallingford, CT vacancy is an ideal step forward for your career. Prepare your transcripts, refine your two-page resume, and submit your application before the closing date on September 9, 2026. Take the leap and build a career that matters with the USDA FSA!