Lead the Future of Agricultural Economics at the USDA

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for high-level economic strategy? The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for a Supervisory Economist (Chief) to join the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This high-impact role is vital to ensuring that U.S. agricultural policies are supported by sound economic rigor.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of the Economic and Policy Analysis Staff, you will serve as the primary advisor to the Administrator. Your responsibilities include:

Leading the design and execution of complex economic analyses that underpin new rulemakings.
Defending analytical findings before senior leadership and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Mentoring and supervising a staff of economists to ensure the highest standards of data usage and methodological integrity.
Developing performance measures aligned with the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA).

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-15 position, you must meet stringent federal criteria:

Education: A degree in economics including 21 hours of economics coursework and 3 hours of statistics, calculus, or accounting.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level involving regulatory impact analysis.
Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire competency-based assessments.
Documentation: A concise, two-page resume detailing relevant experience and professional history.

Quick Comparison Table: What to Know

Feature	Details
Salary	$154,492 - $197,200
Grade Level	GS-15
Locations	CO, MD, MN, NC
Security Clearance	High Risk (HR)
Telework	Yes, Eligible

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with the GS-15 grade level. Beyond the base pay, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and the opportunity to contribute to work that significantly impacts the nation’s agricultural landscape.

Application Tips

Success in the federal hiring process requires precision. Because the resume limit is strictly two pages, prioritize bullet points that highlight your most impactful work in regulatory economics. Ensure you fully describe your supervisory experience, as this is a key component of the Chief role.

This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to guide the economic framework of American agriculture. If you are an experienced economist ready to make a difference at the federal level, we encourage you to apply by the closing date.

Why This Supervisory Economist (Chief) Job Matters

Shape the future of U.S. agricultural policy and economic strategy as the Chief of the Economic and Policy Analysis Staff at the USDA.

Supervisory Economist (Chief) Job Overview

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Economist to serve as Chief of the Economic and Policy Analysis Staff. This executive-level role provides critical economic guidance to agency leadership and serves as the primary liaison between APHIS and the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Management and Budget. You will be responsible for leading sophisticated economic and trade analyses, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving the development of performance measures that influence national agricultural outcomes.

Requirements for Supervisory Economist (Chief)

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) for current federal employees.
Degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
Successful completion of a rigorous online USA Hire competency-based assessment.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Economist (Chief)

Extensive experience conducting Regulatory Impact Analyses and Regulatory Flexibility Analyses.
Proven track record of defending economic analysis before internal and interagency stakeholders (OMB).
Expertise in managing and reviewing economic reports from diverse sources.
Ability to adapt complex analytical frameworks to support emerging national agricultural priorities.
Strong leadership capabilities in supervising analytical staff and ensuring the use of sound, current methodologies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary Range ($154,492 - $197,200).
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Eligibility for telework programs.
✓Career advancement and development opportunities within the USDA.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Economist (Chief) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Economist (Chief) Job

Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Upload or build a federal-formatted resume (maximum 2 pages).
Submit your online application and complete the initial occupational questionnaire.
Await email notification to complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment.
Access the USA Hire portal using your unique link and complete the assessments within the allotted window.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your work history aligns with the major duties—specifically mentioning regulatory analysis and leadership experience.
Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, as longer documents will be rejected.
Set up automatic email notifications in your USAJOBS profile so you never miss updates regarding your application status or assessment deadlines.
If you require a Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire assessment, request it as early as possible in the process.
Use current, specific examples of your work in your questionnaire responses to ensure high scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my resume in a format other than PDF?

Yes, the system accepts GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT, or Word (DOC/DOCX) formats, provided they are under 5MB.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is telework-eligible, but it is not classified as a fully remote position.

What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment deadline?

The assessment window is strict and closes 48 hours after the announcement ends; failure to complete it within this window will result in the loss of consideration.

Are there relocation expenses?

No, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses are not paid for this position.

What is the probationary period?

New federal hires must complete a 1-year probationary period to verify their suitability for the service.

Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service

The Marketing and Regulatory Programs division of APHIS is tasked with protecting the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. APHIS is an emergency response agency, meaning our professionals are at the front lines of protecting the American agricultural economy, both domestically and internationally. Working here means joining a team dedicated to public service, safety, and economic security.