Lead Agriculture in Rutland: Become a County Executive Director

Are you looking to advance your career while making a tangible impact on the agricultural community? The Farm Service Agency (FSA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is seeking a motivated leader to serve as the County Executive Director (CED) in Rutland, Vermont. This position offers a unique blend of management, policy implementation, and community engagement.

Job Responsibilities

The County Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the local FSA office. You will be the primary authority overseeing the following:

Operations Management: Directing administrative and programmatic functions for the county office.
Program Delivery: Executing Farm Bill programs and policies established by the USDA and the Risk Management Agency.
Staff Supervision: Managing subordinate staff, fostering a productive work environment, and delegating tasks effectively.
Field Interaction: Conducting office and field-based activities to ensure program compliance and service accessibility.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must possess specialized experience or a combination of education and experience. Below is a breakdown of the key qualification requirements:

Comparison Table: Qualification Requirements

Level	Experience/Education Required
CO-09	Master's degree or 1 year of specialized experience at GS-7 level
CO-11	1 year of specialized experience at GS-9 level
CO-12	1 year of specialized experience at GS-11 level

Note: Specialized experience must demonstrate knowledge of agricultural program policies and evaluation techniques.

Benefits Overview

We value our employees. Our benefits package is designed to support you and your family throughout your career:

Financial Health: Retirement plans and competitive salary structures.
Wellness: Access to diverse health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Work Environment: Flexible scheduling to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

Application Tips

Applying for federal-adjacent roles requires attention to detail. Follow these guidelines to strengthen your application:

Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Ensure it explicitly lists employment dates and hours worked.
Documentation: If you are using education to qualify, provide your transcript immediately.
Agency Portal: Ensure your documents are not encrypted, as they will be rejected. Use standard formats like PDF or DOCX.

Serving as a County Executive Director is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide essential support to the agricultural heart of Vermont. If you have the experience and the drive to lead, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date of September 11, 2026.

Why This County Executive Director Job Matters

Shape the future of agriculture in Vermont! Lead community-driven initiatives as a County Executive Director with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

County Executive Director Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency is seeking a dedicated and dynamic leader to serve as the County Executive Director in Rutland, Vermont. In this pivotal role, you will manage essential administrative and program operations, ensuring that agricultural policies and Farm Bill programs are effectively implemented for the benefit of our local producers. You will lead a talented team, oversee field activities, and serve as the primary liaison between the Agency and the local farming community.

Requirements for County Executive Director

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to at least grade CO-7, CO-9, or CO-11 depending on the entry level.
Completion of the CEDT (County Executive Director Trainee) program requirements where applicable.
Ability to manage administrative operations and direct subordinate staff.
Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing work history and relevant experience.
Submission of college transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Ability to perform office and field duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications for County Executive Director

Previous supervisory or managerial experience in an FSA setting.
Current or recent experience in a CEDT or Program Analyst-in-Charge position.
Extensive knowledge of USDA Farm Bill programs and RMA crop insurance operations.
Demonstrated ability to apply analytical techniques to assess program efficiency.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Retirement planning and supplemental savings programs
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Long-term care insurance
✓Flexible work schedules and family-friendly workplace

💡 How to Apply County Executive Director Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for County Executive Director Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements.
Prepare your resume (maximum 2 pages) and gather necessary transcripts.
Click the apply link to initiate the assessment questionnaire in the Agency's system.
Upload required documentation, ensuring files are under 5MB and in supported formats.
Submit your application before 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume.
Ensure your resume clearly highlights supervisory experience and hours worked per week.
Use official and clear titles for previous positions.
Verify that your uploaded documents have transferred correctly to the Agency staffing system.
Save a copy of your submitted application and uploaded documents for your personal records.
Contact the agency representative early if you require reasonable accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a federal civil service position?

No, this is a Title 7, non-federal, non-civil service position employed by the local Farm Service Agency committee.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary ranges from $61,722 to $116,362 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level.

Can I use an unofficial transcript for my application?

Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted during the initial application phase. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.

Does veterans preference apply?

No, this position is advertised under Title 7 authorities.

Can I telework?

This specific position is not listed as telework eligible.

Job from Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency is at the heart of American agriculture. Our mission is to support the well-being of the agricultural sector and provide vital resources to producers across the nation. By working with the FSA, you become part of a professional team dedicated to program excellence and service. Employees enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive insurance options, and a commitment to work-life balance.