Launch Your Agricultural Leadership Career with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Vermont

Vermont’s pastoral landscape is home to a robust, highly diverse agricultural sector. From multi-generational dairy operations and world-renowned maple syrup producers to local organic vegetable cooperatives, farming is the lifeblood of the Green Mountain State. Managing the complex federal programs that support these farming families is a critical mission, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking its next generation of leaders to guide these efforts.

If you possess strong leadership instincts, excellent administrative skills, and a commitment to serving rural communities, the County Executive Director in Training (CEDT) program with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is the perfect opportunity to launch your federal career. This structured 12-month program provides intensive, paid training in agricultural policy, operational management, and community outreach. Successful completion transitions you directly into key executive management positions within Vermont’s agricultural counties.

About the Agency: The USDA Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is one of the USDA's most critical public-facing components. It administers farm commodity, conservation, disaster assistance, and credit programs that help farmers navigate economic challenges and unpredictable weather conditions. FSA offices are located directly in the communities they serve, guided by local county committees that ensure programs are tailored to regional needs.

Working for the Vermont FSA means engaging with a mission-driven, highly collaborative workforce. The agency champions a healthy work-life balance and provides professional, family-friendly offices where employees can develop their skills while making a real-world impact. As a CEDT, you will interact with agricultural specialists, community leaders, and local producers, learning how federal policies translate into local stability and growth.

Job Responsibilities: The Path of a CEDT

Becoming a County Executive Director (CED) is a high-responsibility career. The CEDT program is specifically structured to ensure you have the competence, confidence, and knowledge required to take on these duties.

During your 52-week training period, you will be expected to:

Complete an Intensive Curriculum: Undertake structured coursework and hands-on modules covering federal farm legislation, office operations, and employee leadership.
Rotate Throughout the State: Travel across Vermont to observe different county offices, working alongside veteran County Executive Directors to understand regional agricultural distinctions.
Participate in Evaluations: Undergo regular performance assessments evaluated by a panel comprising the District Director, State Training Coordinator, State Executive Director, and State Office Specialists.
Engage in Customer Service: Work directly with local farmers to process applications, explain regulatory guidelines, and gather community feedback on program implementation.
Commit to Relocation: Agree to accept placement in any county office within Vermont upon successful completion of your 12-month program, matching your placement to agency needs.

General Requirements and Qualifications

To apply for this opportunity, you must meet the general qualifications set forth in Handbook 27-PM. You can qualify at three distinct entry-grade levels based on your combination of education, experience, or academic honors.

CO-05 Entry Level

To enter the training program at the CO-05 level, you must possess one of the following:

Education: Four years of post-secondary education above high school from an accredited technical school, junior college, college, or university, or a completed Bachelor's degree.
Experience: One year of general work experience that demonstrates supportive roles in projects or programs. This experience should verify your knowledge of office processes, customer service, and basic agricultural or management principles.
Combination: A qualifying combination of the education and experience described above.

CO-07 Entry Level

To qualify at the CO-07 level, applicants must meet one of the following:

Education: One full academic year of graduate-level education from an accredited institution.
Superior Academic Achievement: A completed Bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, a 3.5 GPA in your major during the final two years of study, ranking in the upper third of your graduating class, or holding membership in a qualified National Scholastic Honor Society.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the CO-05 or GS-05 level. Specialized experience must show proficiency in analyzing, evaluating, and applying agricultural program guidelines or using analytical tools to improve administrative operations.

CO-09 Entry Level

To qualify at the highest entry level of CO-09, candidates must satisfy one of the following:

Education: A Master's degree (or equivalent graduate degree) or two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate study.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CO-07 or GS-07 level. This includes independent experience reviewing complex program applications, examining supporting legal/financial documents, and evaluating program operations for efficiency.
Supervisory Experience: One year of any prior supervisory or managerial experience.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this training program is highly competitive, starting from entry-level administrative pay up to a solid management salary. The starting salary ranges from $40,736 to $81,882 annually, depending directly on the grade level at which you qualify.

Grade Level Comparison Table

Pay Grade	Annual Salary Range	Primary Education Requirement	Minimum Experience Alternative
CO-05	$40,736 - $52,900+	Bachelor's Degree or 4 years post-secondary study	1 Year general office, program support, or farming experience
CO-07	$50,500+ - $65,700+	1 Year of Graduate School or Superior Academic Achievement	1 Year of specialized agricultural program evaluation (CO-05 level)
CO-09	Up to $81,882	Master's Degree or 2 years of progressive graduate study	1 Year of CO-07 level specialized experience OR 1 year of supervisory experience

Benefits: What the FSA Offers You

The Farm Service Agency provides a robust suite of employee benefits comparable to the federal civil service. In addition to steady salary progression, you will receive:

Comprehensive Health Coverages: Access to a diverse range of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, supplemented by flexible spending accounts.
Retirement Security: A competitive pension plan alongside the federal equivalent of a 401(k)—the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—with agency matching contributions up to 5%.
Excellent Leave Package: Earned paid annual (vacation) leave, dedicated sick leave, and eleven paid federal holidays every calendar year.
Flexible Work Schedules: Options for flexible arrival and departure times to support work-life integration.
Professional Growth: Structured, funded travel, continuous career mentorship, and leadership seminars designed to ensure long-term career success.

Application Tips for Success

To ensure your application gets referred to the hiring manager, pay close attention to the following crucial guidelines:

Keep Your Resume Under Two Pages: The agency enforces a strict 2-page limit for candidate resumes. Resumes exceeding this length will not be fully assessed, which could lead to an immediate non-selection.
Detail Your Work History Explicitly: Federal-style reviews require detailed metrics. Clearly list your exact job titles, start and end dates (format as MM/YYYY), and the average hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hours/week) for each position listed.
Submit Clear Transcripts: If you are qualifying based on your degree or Superior Academic Achievement, attach a clear, legible copy of your unofficial transcripts. Official copies will be required upon hire.
Confirm the Uploads: Verify that your documents have successfully transferred from USAJobs into the agency's USA Staffing system. File sizes must be under 5MB, and files should be saved as standard PDF, DOC, or DOCX formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to live in Middlebury, Vermont to apply?

Middlebury is listed as the initial location, but the physical duty station will be determined upon selection. Because this training program covers the entire state, you will be traveling to various county offices throughout Vermont during your 52-week training period.

Is there promotion potential beyond the CO-09 level?

Yes. Successful completion of the program establishes eligibility to manage local offices as a County Executive Director, which offers long-term career progression and competitive promotion opportunities.

Are relocation costs reimbursed for this position?

No. The Farm Service Agency does not offer relocation reimbursement or moving allowances for this particular vacancy.

Does this position offer telework?

No. This position is not eligible for telework due to the intensive hands-on, community-centered nature of the executive training program.

The County Executive Director in Training program is more than just a job opening; it is a gateway to high-impact leadership in public service. By supporting Vermont's farmers, you are directly reinforcing the state's economic stability, food security, and environmental stewardship. If you are ready to put your administrative talents, academic achievements, or management skills to work in a rewarding, community-focused career, do not miss this chance. Submit your application package before the closing deadline on September 14, 2026 and take your first step toward leading Vermont's agricultural future.

Why This County Executive Director In Training Job Matters

Propel your leadership career in agricultural management and champion the interests of Vermont's farming communities with this immersive, fully-funded 12-month executive training program.

County Executive Director In Training Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering an extraordinary entry point into federal leadership through its County Executive Director in Training (CEDT) program in Vermont. This comprehensive 52-week initiative is designed to groom high-caliber professionals for management roles within the agency. Trainees will rotate throughout Vermont, gaining hands-on administrative, program-evaluation, and public-relations experience. Successful graduates of the program will be eligible for transition into permanent County Executive Director leadership roles, directly guiding agricultural policies and financial relief programs that sustain local farming families.

Requirements for County Executive Director In Training

Must be a citizen or national of the United States.
Willingness to sign a mandatory agreement accepting training assignments anywhere within the state of Vermont.
Successful completion of a comprehensive 52-week agricultural and administrative training curriculum.
Willingness to relocate within Vermont upon completion of the training program based on operational needs.
Possession of a valid driver's license for frequent travel during the training phase.
Ability to pass a background investigation and obtain a suitability determination.

Preferred Qualifications for County Executive Director In Training

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in agriculture, business administration, public administration, economics, or environmental science.
Demonstrated experience in leadership, supervisory roles, or personnel management.
Outstanding public relations and conflict resolution capabilities.
Prior familiarity with local or national agricultural policies, conservation practices, or credit programs.
Superior Academic Achievement (GPA of 3.0 or higher) for candidates entering at the CO-07 level.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Flexible work schedules and family-friendly office options.
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual, along with paid Federal holidays.
✓Full coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) equivalent program (including medical, dental, and vision).
✓Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
✓Structured mentorship and continuous professional development throughout the 12-month program.
✓Long-Term Care Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

💡 How to Apply County Executive Director In Training Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for County Executive Director In Training Job

Build a detailed, federal-style resume that strictly adheres to the maximum limit of 2 pages.
Obtain unofficial copies of your university transcripts if you are qualifying using your academic credentials.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to be redirected from USAJobs to the secure USDA USA Staffing portal.
Complete the comprehensive online Assessment Questionnaire to evaluate your qualifications.
Upload your 2-page resume, transcripts, and any optional supporting documents (e.g., performance appraisals or SF-50s) in a supported format under 5MB.
Submit your finalized application before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Respect the 2-page resume limit strictly. Information contained on page 3 and beyond will not be considered by the review panel.
In your resume, format each work history entry clearly with job titles, starting and ending dates (Month/Year), and average hours worked per week to ensure you receive full credit for your experience.
Ensure your transcripts clearly indicate course codes, department names, credit hours, and grades to qualify for education-based entry grades.
Avoid uploading encrypted documents, Adobe Portfolio files, or non-standard file formats, as they will cause automatic parsing errors in the system.
Set up email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to track your application's review and referral progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the training and final placement occur?

While the preliminary location is Middlebury, Vermont, the exact duty station will be finalized upon candidate selection. Candidates must be willing to travel throughout Vermont for training and relocate within the state upon completion of the program.

Is this a civil service or federal position?

This is a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position. However, it offers equivalent federal-style benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, through the FSA County Committee system.

What happens if I do not complete the training program successfully?

Trainees must successfully complete the 52-week program. Those who do not meet the performance standard will be separated from the agency without prejudice.

Does veterans' preference apply to this vacancy?

No. Veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy because this position is hired under special Title 7 non-civil service authorities.

Are relocation expenses covered for the training program?

No, the Farm Service Agency does not authorize relocation expenses for this specific County Executive Director in Training vacancy.