Elevate Your Career: Become an Administrative Officer (GS-13) with USDA Rural Development in New Hampshire

If you are an experienced administrative professional, a strategic thinker, and a leader capable of guiding complex operational processes, a rewarding career path awaits you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Agency is seeking a high-caliber professional to step into the role of Administrative Officer (GS-13). Located in either Concord or Conway, New Hampshire, this position represents a senior-level opportunity within the federal civil service, offering the chance to oversee critical business infrastructure, influence executive decisions, and support the economic vitality of rural communities.

This guide offers an exhaustive look into the position's core duties, exact qualification benchmarks, competitive pay structure, and the rigorous steps required to submit an application that stands out to hiring managers.

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About the Agency: USDA Rural Development

The USDA Rural Development Agency is dedicated to improving the quality of life and increasing economic opportunity in rural America. With a workforce of nearly 4,000 employees, the agency manages more than 80 loan and grant programs focused on infrastructure, housing, business development, and essential community facilities.

Working for the State Office of Vermont and New Hampshire means joining a collaborative, mission-driven team. The agency invests billions of dollars annually to fund public utilities, clean water projects, health clinics, and emergency facilities. Employees enjoy a highly professional, supportive work culture centered on making tangible, positive differences in local communities.

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Key Job Responsibilities

As a GS-13 Administrative Officer, you will not be confined to a single department or narrow focus area. Instead, you will deliver expert counsel to the State Director and senior leadership on sensitive, high-impact issues.

Your core daily responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Resource Allocation: Advising leadership on staffing numbers, organizational models, and position hierarchies to align with agency missions.
• Financial & Budgetary Management: Guiding fiscal planning, monitoring budget execution, and reviewing financial reports to ensure sound resources custody.
• Contract and Procurement Oversight: Monitoring contract execution to ensure vendors meet federal requirements and uphold quality standards.
• Human Resource Management Liaison: Working alongside HR specialists to streamline staffing, recruitment policies, and modern labor practices.
• Operational Trend Analysis: Reviewing workload reports across programs to identify operational bottlenecks and presenting options to resolve them.
• EEO & Workplace Compliance: Partnering with supervisors to integrate Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and affirmative policies within the everyday work environment.

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Qualification Requirements

Because this is a senior GS-13 role, candidate standards are exceptionally high. Applicants must meet all specialized experience and background criteria by the application deadline.

Specialized Experience

Applicants must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal civil service. This experience can be gathered in either the public or private sector and must demonstrate deep competency in the following fields:

1. Administrative Collaborations: Executing or designing internal policies, business operating guidelines, and administrative systems.
2. Business Operations: Active involvement in federal or corporate procurement, budget administration, human capital guidelines, or fiscal programs.
3. Executive Advising: Providing strategic advice to senior managers regarding program updates, future planning, and workload balance.
4. Operational Auditing: Performing workflow assessments, productivity reviews, and presenting corrective actions to improve communication and efficiency.

Note: There is no educational substitution for the GS-13 grade level. Qualification is based entirely on relevant, specialized work history.

Core Competencies Evaluated

Applicants will be tested on several general and technical competencies during the hiring screening, including:

• Attention to Detail
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Influencing and Negotiation Skills
• Interpersonal Communication
• Reading Comprehension & Reasoning
• Self-Management & Teamwork

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Salary and Location Overview

This position offers competitive compensation, structured under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The annual salary range is $120,548 to $156,715, depending on individual qualifications, prior federal experience, and step alignment.

Location	Latitude / Longitude	Locality Pay & Schedule
Concord, New Hampshire	43.20725 / -71.536606	General Schedule (GS-13)
Conway, New Hampshire	43.97886 / -71.116615	General Schedule (GS-13)

Both locations offer rich access to New Hampshire's scenic environments, historical downtowns, and recreational opportunities, combining exceptional local living with a robust professional career.

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Comprehensive Benefits

The federal government provides one of the most generous employee benefit systems in the country. Highlights of the compensation package include:

• Flexible Work Options: Opportunities for flexible schedules and robust telework options under current agency rules.
• Generous Paid Leave: Accumulation of annual vacation days, sick leave, and 12 fully paid federal holidays.
• Retirement Planning: Full access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
• Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts for healthcare expenses and dependent care programs.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to instructions. Follow this step-by-step framework to ensure your application package is completed successfully:

1. Prepare Your Documents: Draft your federal resume and gather supporting materials. Verify that your documents are in accepted formats (PDF, DOCX, TXT, etc.) and under 5MB.
2. Access the Job Portal: Log in to your USAJobs account, search for the Administrative Officer vacancy, and select the Apply Online option.
3. Complete the Questionnaire: Fill out the initial assessment questions on the USDA USA Staffing portal. Detail your specific skills as they match the GS-13 operational parameters.
4. Upload Documents: Submit your resume and required documents (e.g., SF-50s, DD-214s, performance ratings) before the 11:59 PM Eastern Time deadline on the closing date.
5. Take the USA Hire Assessments: Following submission, check your email for a unique link to the OPM USA Hire assessment engine. You must complete these cognitive and behavioral assessments within 48 hours of notification.

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Expert Tips for a Winning Application

To maximize your chances of selection, keep these insider strategies in mind:

• Adhere to the 2-Page Resume Limit: This is a hard requirement. The USDA has made it clear that any candidate whose resume exceeds two pages will be instantly disqualified from consideration. Keep your explanations concise, focused on high-level administrative impacts, and eliminate redundant phrases.
• Tailor Your Resume Keywords: Integrate terms like "procurement," "budget execution," "strategic planning advising," and "workload analysis" directly into your professional work descriptions.
• Provide Verified Performance Appraisals: Current federal employees must upload their official performance appraisal from the last 18 months, complete with supervisory signatures.
• Track Your Application: Regularly log in to USAJobs and select "Track this application" to monitor your progression, review assessment requirements, and confirm successful receipt of files.

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What is E-Verify?

E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm your legal authorization to work in the United States.

What is the probationary period for this position?

Newly appointed employees must serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period depending on their appointment path, ensuring performance and conduct meet agency standards.

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The USDA Administrative Officer position in New Hampshire is a high-impact, prestigious role ideal for experienced leaders. By aligning your application with the strict requirements—particularly keeping your federal resume under the crucial two-page limit—and showcasing your skills in budgeting, contracting, and personnel administration, you can position yourself as a leading candidate for this rewarding career opportunity. Take the next step toward serving rural America and submit your application today.