Become a Leader in American Agriculture: Supervisory Agricultural District Director
Are you looking to take your career to the next level while serving those who feed the nation? The Farm Service Agency (FSA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Agricultural District Director. This role is perfect for leaders who have a deep understanding of agricultural policy, a passion for rural economic development, and the ability to mentor and manage high-performing teams.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Agricultural District Director, you will serve as the critical link between the State Office and local Service Centers. Key responsibilities include:
- Program Oversight: Providing expert guidance on commodity and farm loan programs to county committees and service center staff.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Reviewing and approving loan actions that fall outside the delegated authority of local managers.
- Operational Evaluation: Conducting regular audits and assessments of administrative operations within your assigned district to ensure compliance with federal policy.
- Leadership: Directly supervising Farm Loan Managers and supporting their professional development.
Comparison: Standard vs. Supervisory Roles
| Feature | Standard Specialist | District Director |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Local/Office focused | District/Multi-office oversight |
| Responsibility | Task implementation | Policy execution & Strategy |
| Supervisory Status | Non-supervisory | Supervisory |
| Decision Making | Routine tasks | High-level/Delegated authority |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or its private-sector equivalent. Your experience must involve directing, planning, and administering agricultural programs. Other mandatory requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful completion of a 1-year supervisory probationary period.
- Ability to obtain a Moderate Risk security clearance.
- Submission of required financial disclosures.
- A resume that strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy an extensive federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance (FEHB).
- Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid time off (vacation and sick leave).
- Flexible work schedules and telework options.
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application is competitive:
- Prepare Your Resume: Ensure it captures your specific work schedule, hours per week, and dates of employment. Remember, the two-page limit is firmβapplications exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Gather Documents: Collect your most recent SF-50 (for current federal employees) and your latest performance appraisal.
- Use the USAJOBS Portal: Use the official application link to submit your profile and answer the required questionnaires.
- Monitor Your Email: You may be asked to complete a USA Hire assessment. This step is mandatory, so keep an eye on your inbox.
If you possess the leadership skills to navigate complex agricultural policy and the dedication to support the American farmer, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity. Apply today to build a meaningful career with the Department of Agriculture.
Why This Supervisory Agricultural District Director Job Matters
Shape the future of American agriculture by leading critical loan and commodity programs as a Supervisory Agricultural District Director with the Farm Service Agency.
Supervisory Agricultural District Director Job Overview
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as a Supervisory Agricultural District Director within the Arkansas State Office. This pivotal role bridges the gap between state-level policy and local implementation, providing strategic oversight, guidance, and training to County Committees and Service Center personnel. The incumbent will manage complex agricultural credit and commodity programs, making key decisions on high-level loan matters while supervising a team of Farm Loan Managers. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the economic stability of farming communities while working within a collaborative and mission-driven federal environment.
Requirements for Supervisory Agricultural District Director
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Completion of a 1-year supervisory/managerial probationary period.
- Must be able to successfully complete the mandatory supervisor training program.
- Submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) upon appointment.
- Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Agricultural District Director
- In-depth knowledge of laws and regulations governing federal agricultural credit and commodity programs.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex federal policies at the state or district level.
- Strong understanding of contemporary U.S. farming practices and the economic landscape of rural communities.
- Proven experience building and maintaining effective partnerships with farmers' associations and public stakeholders.
- Demonstrated proficiency in leadership and team management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- βGenerous paid vacation and sick leave.
- βPaid federal holidays.
- βFederal retirement pension and supplemental savings plan (TSP).
- βFlexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- βFlexible spending accounts.
- βLong-term care insurance options.
π‘ How to Apply Supervisory Agricultural District Director Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Agricultural District Director Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documents.
- Update your resume to ensure it strictly follows the two-page limit.
- Apply online through the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete all required online questionnaires and assessment tests if prompted.
- Submit your application before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding USA Hire assessment access and next steps.
- Track your application status via your USAJOBS account.
π‘ General Tips
- Keep your resume focused; it must be two pages or less to be considered.
- Review your documents to ensure they are under 5MB and in an accepted format (PDF, TXT, Word, etc.).
- Prepare for the USA Hire assessment by reviewing the resources available on the OPM website.
- Ensure you have your SF-50 and recent performance appraisals ready if you are a current federal employee.
- Do not wait until the last minute to apply to avoid potential system-related delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the education requirement for this position?
There is no specific education requirement for this position; however, you must demonstrate the required year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
Can I work remotely?
This position is eligible for telework according to agency policy, though the role requires a presence to fulfill oversight duties in the assigned district.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position is categorized as Moderate Risk and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance involving a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI).
Job from Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency is a vital organization dedicated to the stability and productivity of American agriculture. By implementing farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and loan programs, the FSA supports farmers and ranchers across the United States. Working for the FSA means being part of a diverse, professional environment that values work-life balance, career growth, and service to the public.
