Become a Leader in Federal Commodity Procurement: Supervisory Program Manager Role

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a cornerstone of American infrastructure, and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health, fairness, and competitiveness of the U.S. food supply. We are currently searching for an experienced, visionary leader to step into the role of Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief). This position is ideal for a seasoned professional looking to influence national policy while leading a high-performing team.

Job Responsibilities

As the Branch Chief for the Communication and Stakeholder Branch, you will be the engine behind the agency’s engagement strategy. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Communication: Develop and execute strategies to promote USDA programs to processors, vendors, and industry leaders.
Operational Oversight: Manage the resolution of procurement-related issues, including recalls, holds, and administrative disputes.
Team Leadership: Oversee a diverse team of subject matter experts, establishing performance goals and ensuring project deadlines are met.
Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain productive relationships with small businesses and current program participants to ensure program success.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:

TIG Requirements: Current federal employees must have 52 weeks of service at the GS-13 level.
Experience: One year of specialized experience performing tasks such as collaborative project planning, managing competing priorities, and overseeing legislative implementation.
Documentation: A maximum two-page resume highlighting your relevant accomplishments.

Candidate Comparison Table

Feature	Requirement Status
Citizenship	Required
Education Substitution	Not Allowed
Security Clearance	Moderate Risk
Probationary Period	1 Year

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-14 level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $127,829 to $182,316. Final compensation is determined based on the selectee's duty location, reflecting locality pay adjustments.

Benefits

Working for the USDA provides access to an elite federal benefits package, including:

Health & Wellness: Extensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Financial Security: The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual/sick leave and potential telework flexibility.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly links your past work to the "Major Duties" listed in this announcement.
Assessment Readiness: Prepare for the USA Hire assessment by reviewing the competency-based guide. It is a critical component of the application process.
Follow Format Guidelines: Submit your resume in the requested formats (PDF, Word, TXT) and ensure it is under the 5MB limit.

The role of Branch Chief at the AMS is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to manage the programs that feed a nation. If you have the experience and the drive to lead, we encourage you to apply and contribute your expertise to our mission.

Why This Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief) Job Matters

Shape the future of U.S. agricultural procurement as a Branch Chief with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief) Job Overview

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Supervisory Program Manager to serve as Branch Chief for the Communication and Stakeholder Branch. In this role, you will be the strategic lead for communication and operational activities supporting the agency's vital commodity procurement programs. This leadership position is instrumental in connecting internal operations with external industry stakeholders, vendors, and processors, ensuring the seamless delivery of nutritional assistance and procurement initiatives nationwide.

Requirements for Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) for federal employees.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
Successful completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk (MR) security clearance.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period upon selection.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief)

Demonstrated experience in collaborative project planning and decision-making within a federal agency.
Proven expertise in resolving time-sensitive issues involving complex legislation or regulations.
Strong background in managing outreach programs for small businesses or commodity procurement.
Expertise in directing subject matter experts on sensitive, high-visibility federal programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Program Manager (Branch Chief) Job

Register for a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience, duties, and accomplishments.
Submit your online application and Occupational Questionnaire via the official portal.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Complete the assessment within the specified 48-hour window.
Verify the receipt of your application and monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your leadership.
Set up automatic email notifications in USAJOBS to receive real-time updates on your application status.
Preview the online assessment questionnaire provided in the job announcement to understand the core competencies being evaluated.
Verify all uploaded documents are in a readable format (PDF or Word) and under 5MB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary for this GS-14 position ranges from $127,829 to $182,316 per year, depending on the duty location and applicable locality pay.

Are there education requirements for this role?

No, this specific position does not have a formal education substitution for the specialized experience required at the GS-14 level.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to agency policy and supervisory approval.

What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment deadline?

The USA Hire assessment must be completed within 48 hours of receiving the link. Failure to complete these assessments will result in the loss of consideration for the position.

Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?

*A: Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths, including veterans and eligible special authorities.*

What is the probation period?

*A: New hires are required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate performance and suitability.*

Job from Agricultural Marketing Service

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products. From protecting plant and animal health to managing complex commodity procurement for federal nutrition programs, the AMS operates at the intersection of industry, policy, and public health. Employees here are driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and serving the American public.