Launching Your Career as a County Program Analyst with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Oklahoma

American agriculture is the backbone of the nation's economy, rural strength, and food security. At the heart of supporting local agricultural operations is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its dedicated branch, the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Currently, the FSA is looking for motivated professionals to fill crucial County Program Analyst vacancies in Oklahoma. Based in the communities of Tishomingo and Watonga, these roles provide a dynamic administrative path for those wanting to serve their local communities, manage federal agricultural programs, and build a stable, rewarding career.

This guide details everything you need to know about the County Program Analyst positions, from the agency's mission to requirements, application tips, and the complete salary and benefits landscape.

About the Agency: The Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a vital branch of the USDA. It serves as the primary conduit through which the federal government administers safety net, disaster relief, conservation, and farm loan programs. Unlike many centralized federal agencies, the FSA's strength lies in its localized, county-office structure. By operating directly within rural counties, FSA staff work side-by-side with farmers, ranchers, and land managers to ensure they have the financial security and administrative support needed to keep their operations thriving.

These County Program Analyst positions are classified under Title 7 administrative authorities. This means they are non-federal, non-civil service positions. While this changes certain civil service hiring rules—such as the non-applicability of Veterans' Preference—it preserves the premium federal benefits package, competitive pay scales, and exceptional career stability that public service is known for.

Job Responsibilities

As a County Program Analyst, your daily routine will blend administrative expertise, digital data management, and public-facing customer service. You will not just be analyzing numbers from a distant database; you will be interacting directly with the individuals whose livelihoods depend on these programs.

Your primary duties will include:

Program Administration: Executing the day-to-day office procedures associated with one or more farm programs. This involves evaluating incoming applications, verifying eligibility, and processing documentation.
Client Consultation: Directly interacting with local producers, farmers, and agricultural workers. You will explain complex federal guidelines, guide applicants through tedious forms, and ensure they understand program deadlines and compliance structures.
Digital System Management: Utilizing modern web-based software systems to maintain precise producer accounts, update land maps, and run automated processing systems.
Critical Problem Solving: Exercising individual initiative and professional judgment to resolve procedural issues, clear administrative backlogs, and address complex problems faced by local farmers.

Qualification Requirements

These positions are open to the general public, providing a broad entry point for college graduates, administrative professionals, and those with hands-on farming backgrounds. Candidates can qualify at the CO-05, CO-07, or CO-09 levels, depending on their unique blend of educational success and professional experience.

To assist you in evaluating which grade level to apply for, use the comparison table below:

Grade Level	Educational Path	Professional Experience Path	Special Pathways (e.g., SAA)
CO-05	Successful completion of 4 years of education above high school in any accredited institution.	1 year of general work experience supporting projects, agricultural operations, or customer service.	Academic qualification requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
CO-07	1 full academic year of graduate-level education from an accredited university.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-05 level in agricultural program evaluations.	Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0+ overall, a 3.5+ GPA in major courses, or top 1/3 class standing.
CO-09	A Master's degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-07 level evaluating complex program applications.	None. Must possess specified graduate degree or matching specialized experience.

Defining Specialized Experience

At the CO-07 Level: Experience demonstrating solid knowledge of basic analysis, fact-finding, and problem-solving methodologies as they apply to agricultural program requirements. This includes using evaluative techniques to help assess program efficiency and proposing minor office improvements.
At the CO-09 Level: Experience showing advanced knowledge of agricultural program policies, allowing you to independently evaluate complex producer applications, review financial and land documents, and make high-level operational recommendations to local committees.

Salary Overview and Career Progression

The financial compensation for this role is highly competitive for the rural Oklahoma job market, ranging from $40,736 to $80,243 annually. Your starting salary will align with the grade level for which you qualify:

CO-05 Entry: Focused on learning basic program guidelines and general office operations.
CO-07 Mid-Level: Handling moderately complex files independently and working directly with diverse programs.
CO-09 Advanced: Performing highly independent program reviews, conducting community outreach, and managing critical county database tasks.

While this role has a promotion potential to the CO-09 grade, future advancement is based on local workload needs, personal performance, and budget approvals from the agency. It offers a solid stepping stone for individuals hoping to progress into county management or higher-level regional program coordinator positions.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

FSA employees enjoy a modern, balanced work environment designed to foster career satisfaction and a healthy family life. The benefits of working for the Farm Service Agency include:

Flexible Schedules: Standard hours with options for alternative work structures that support work-life integration.
Generous Paid Leave: Accumulate paid vacation days, sick leave, and observe all designated federal holidays.
Retirement Planning: Enrollment in the federal retirement system, complemented by a robust supplemental savings plan.
Healthcare Choices: Access to a broad spectrum of federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance policies.
Additional Safety Nets: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover pre-tax medical costs, as well as optional long-term care insurance policies.

Strategic Application Tips

Securing a public sector job requires close attention to detail. Follow these professional strategies to optimize your application:

Do Not Overwrite Your Resume: There is a strict two-page limit on resumes for this announcement. If your resume is three pages long, your application may be dismissed entirely. Cut out irrelevant experience and focus on agricultural support, administrative achievements, and customer service metrics.
Specify Your Work Schedule: You must state your weekly hours worked for each position in your work history (e.g., "June 2022 to August 2024, 40 hours per week"). HR specialists cannot credit partial or full experience without this data.
Prepare Clear Transcripts: If you are qualifying based on education or Superior Academic Achievement, submit an unofficial college transcript with your application. Foreign education must include a formal evaluation report from an recognized US evaluating service.
Answer Questionnaires Accurately: Make sure your resume explicitly validates your responses in the online assessment questionnaire. Discrepancies between your self-ratings and your resume proof can lead to an ineligible rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply if I do not have experience working in agriculture?

Yes. At the CO-05 entry level, you can qualify using general experience in standard office environments, customer service, or other project support fields. Alternatively, any four-year college degree from an accredited institution qualifies you for this grade level regardless of your major.

Are Watonga and Tishomingo close to each other?

No, they are in different regions of Oklahoma. Watonga is located in western Oklahoma (Blaine County), while Tishomingo is located in southern Oklahoma (Johnston County). You should decide which location matches your geographical preference and apply accordingly.

What file formats should I use to upload my application documents?

Ensure your uploaded files are smaller than 5MB and saved as PDF, Word (DOC or DOCX), RTF, TXT, or common image formats (JPG, PNG). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio files, as the federal assessment system cannot read them.

Who can I contact if I have difficulty with the online application?

If you experience a hardship that prevents you from applying online, contact the USDA Human Resources representative at [email protected] well ahead of the September 9, 2026 deadline to arrange an alternative submission method.

The County Program Analyst position with the USDA Farm Service Agency is more than just a stable desk job; it is a vital pillar of the Oklahoma agricultural community. Working in Tishomingo or Watonga places you at the center of local conservation and economic programs, making an everyday difference in the lives of American producers. Prepare your materials, tailor your two-page resume, and submit your application before the close of the announcement on September 9, 2026, to take your first step toward this rewarding public service career.

Why This County Program Analyst Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career supporting local agriculture as a County Program Analyst for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Oklahoma.

County Program Analyst Job Overview

The Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking dedicated individuals to fill the position of County Program Analyst in Tishomingo and Watonga, Oklahoma. In this public-facing role, you will be on the front lines of agricultural administration, serving as a critical bridge between federal programs and local producers. Operating under the FSA's unique Title 7 authority, this career opportunity offers a clear path for advancement (grades CO-05 through CO-09) with an attractive salary range of $40,736 to $80,243 per year. If you have experience in agricultural operations or customer service, or hold a college degree, this position provides a robust entry point into a vital public service sector.

Requirements for County Program Analyst

Must be a United States citizen.
Must be at least 18 years of age or a high school graduate.
Subject to a background investigation, fingerprinting, and credentialing verification.
Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 9, 2026.
Submitted resumes must be strictly limited to two (2) pages maximum.
Transcripts must be provided at the time of application if qualifying based on college education.

Preferred Qualifications for County Program Analyst

A Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (defined as a GPA of 3.0+ overall, a GPA of 3.5+ in major courses, or class standing in the upper third).
A Master's degree or equivalent graduate-level education in agriculture, business administration, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience independently analyzing complex agricultural program policies, examining supporting financial/operational documents, and suggesting system improvements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with promotion potential to grade CO-09.
✓Flexible work schedules and family-friendly hours.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
✓Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and long-term care insurance.
✓Federal retirement benefits package and supplemental savings programs.

💡 How to Apply County Program Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for County Program Analyst Job

Review the official job vacancy details and note the closing date of September 9, 2026.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it does not exceed the mandatory 2-page limit and details hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
Obtain unofficial copies of your academic transcripts if you intend to qualify based on your college coursework.
Click the online application portal link to access the USDA's staffing database.
Complete the Assessment Questionnaire thoroughly to ensure your self-ratings align with your resume achievements.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and any optional documents (such as previous SF-50s or performance reviews) in supported formats.
Review your submitted package for accuracy and confirm successful transmission before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep Resume to Two Pages: The hiring agency strictly enforces a 2-page limit. Key details can be lost or your application disqualified if you exceed this limit.
State Your Weekly Hours: For every job listed on your resume, include your weekly work hours (e.g., '40 hours/week'). Without this, HR cannot properly calculate your years of specialized experience.
Detail Your Ag Background: If you are qualifying through general experience rather than education, make sure your resume explicitly mentions any hands-on experience with farming, farm programs, rural operations, or customer support.
Verify Academic Credentials: If you have a foreign degree, you must submit proof of credential evaluation from an authorized US agency alongside your transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the duty stations for these positions located?

The vacancies are located in Tishomingo, Oklahoma and Watonga, Oklahoma. You must select your preferred location during the application process.

Is relocation assistance available for selected candidates?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this recruitment action.

What is a Title 7 position in the Farm Service Agency?

This is a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position. Employees in these roles are hired under different legislative authorities than typical civil service employees, though they enjoy similar premium federal benefits and retirement plans.

Does Veterans' Preference apply to this role?

No, because these County Program Analyst roles are advertised under Title 7 non-civil service authorities, Veterans' Preference rules do not apply.