Launch Your Career: County Program Analyst with the USDA in Fargo, ND
Are you looking for a career that combines analytical rigor with a meaningful impact on the national food supply? The Farm Service Agency (FSA), an arm of the Department of Agriculture, is looking for a talented and motivated individual to join the Cass County office in Fargo, North Dakota, as a County Program Analyst.
About the Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency is a dedicated partner to American farmers and ranchers. Our mission is to ensure the well-being of the agricultural community through equitable, efficient, and effective program delivery. By working with us, you are joining a mission-driven organization that values professional growth, personal integrity, and the strength of the rural American economy.
Job Responsibilities
As a County Program Analyst, your day-to-day work will directly influence the success of local agricultural operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Program Implementation: Executing office activities and functions related to various federal agricultural programs.
- Regulatory Guidance: Interpreting and explaining complex procedures and program regulations to producers and agency colleagues.
- Data Management: Utilizing specialized web-based software to maintain accurate producer data and process automated forms.
- Strategic Analysis: Exercising initiative to plan tasks, resolve operational problems, and recommend process improvements.
Requirements
This position is open to the public and offers a clear growth path from grade CO-05 to CO-09. Applicants must demonstrate the following qualifications:
- Analytical Aptitude: Ability to gather data, recognize trends, and propose solutions.
- Education & Experience: We accept a combination of academic background (Bachelor's or Master's degrees) and/or specialized work experience in agricultural management or government programs.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills are required to facilitate understanding of agency forms and procedures.
Qualification Comparison Table
| Level | Education Requirement | Specialized Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CO-05 | Bachelor's Degree | 1 Year General Experience |
| CO-07 | 1 Year Grad School or 3.0+ GPA | 1 Year at CO-05 Level |
| CO-09 | Master's Degree or 2 Years Grad School | 1 Year at CO-07 Level |
Salary and Benefits
Qualified candidates can look forward to a salary ranging from $40,736 to $80,243 per year. Beyond the base compensation, the USDA provides a robust benefits package:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- Retirement savings programs (with potential supplemental plans).
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation and sick leave.
- Federal holiday pay.
- Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance options.
How to Apply
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure you have your two-page resume prepared, highlighting your work titles, employment dates, and specific duties. If you are using your education to qualify, ensure an unofficial copy of your transcript is included in your initial application package. Submit all documentation through the USAJOBS portal before September 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a degree in agriculture to apply? A: Not necessarily. We value a diverse range of educational backgrounds as long as they provide the analytical and communication skills necessary for the role.
Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
If you are ready to apply your analytical skills to help shape the future of agriculture in North Dakota, the County Program Analyst role at the Fargo FSA office is an outstanding opportunity. Apply today via the official USAJOBS platform and take the first step toward a rewarding career with the USDA.
Why This County Program Analyst Job Matters
Launch your career with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Fargo, North Dakota, and play a vital role in supporting the backbone of American agriculture.
County Program Analyst Job Overview
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated County Program Analyst to join our team in Cass County, Fargo. In this position, you will serve as an essential link between the agency and the agricultural community, managing program documentation, providing expert guidance on federal regulations, and utilizing advanced software to support local producers. This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who are passionate about agricultural service and administrative excellence.
Requirements for County Program Analyst
- U.S. Citizenship eligibility.
- Ability to analyze data and resolve complex procedural problems.
- Strong communication skills for explaining regulations to producers and agency staff.
- Proficiency in utilizing web-based software for data maintenance and automation.
- For CO-05: Four-year degree or equivalent combination of specialized experience.
- For CO-07: One year of graduate education or Superior Academic Achievement (3.0+ GPA) or specialized experience.
- For CO-09: Master's degree or two years of graduate education or one year of specialized experience at the CO-07 level.
Preferred Qualifications for County Program Analyst
- Experience in agricultural program management or operations.
- Demonstrated ability to handle conflicting priorities with initiative and judgment.
- Prior experience in customer-focused government program administration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Paid vacation and generous sick leave policies.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Retirement planning and supplemental savings programs.
- ✓Flexible work-life balance options.
- ✓Flexible spending and long-term care insurance.
💡 How to Apply County Program Analyst Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for County Program Analyst Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account and review the full announcement.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your work history with titles, dates, and hours per week.
- Collect unofficial transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire via the official application link.
- Upload all required documentation in a supported format (PDF, Word, or text).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your work schedule and hours per week for every position listed.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are not password-protected or encrypted.
- Save a copy of your submitted application and uploaded files for your records.
- If you have questions about the process, reach out to the agency contact well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a County Program Analyst?
You will manage office functions related to FSA programs, explain regulations to producers, maintain data in web-based systems, and use analytical skills to improve program operations.
Is this a federal civil service position?
No, this is a Title 7, non-federal, non-civil service position within the Farm Service Agency.
Can I submit my resume in a format other than PDF?
Yes, you may use GIF, JPG, PNG, RTF, TXT, or Word (DOC/DOCX), provided the file size is under 5MB.