Become a Leader in Federal Grants Management with the USDA
Are you an experienced professional looking to transition into a high-level leadership role within the federal government? The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a division of the USDA, is actively seeking a Supervisory Grants Management Specialist to oversee critical financial assistance programs. This is a unique opportunity to shape the policies that protect the health of American agriculture while leading a team of dedicated specialists.
About the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) and APHIS work tirelessly to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products while monitoring and protecting the health and care of animals and plants across the country. By joining APHIS, you become part of a mission-driven organization that acts as an emergency response agency to safeguard national agricultural interests.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, your primary responsibility is to provide technical and operational leadership. Key duties include:
- Policy Development: Design and interpret grant management policies, ensuring they align with federal regulations like 2 CFR.
- Team Leadership: Supervise daily staff operations, assign tasks, and provide mentorship to ensure team performance.
- Strategic Oversight: Conduct risk assessments, business reviews, and policy studies to improve organizational efficiency.
- Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as a bridge between the agency and awardee organizations, resolving policy conflicts and providing ethical guidance.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, you must demonstrate the following:
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must have 52 weeks of experience at the GS-12 level.
- Specialized Experience: One year of professional experience mastering federal financial assistance laws, grant administration, and complex agreement negotiations.
- Documentation: A complete, two-page resume that outlines your specific experience, dates of employment, and relevant work duties.
Requirements at a Glance
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-13 |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages |
| Background Check | Moderate Risk (MR) |
| Probation Period | 1 Year |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $111,147 to $154,280 per year. In addition to salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive benefits package typical of federal service, including robust retirement plans (FERS), health insurance, and generous leave accrual.
Application Tips
Competition for high-level federal roles is rigorous. Follow these steps to improve your chances:
- Tailor Your Resume: Use the language found in the 'Major Duties' section of the job posting to ensure your skills align with what the reviewers are searching for.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hour. Technical issues can happen, and you want to ensure your application is submitted successfully before the deadline.
- Check Your Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 and other supporting documents are not encrypted and are in the correct file formats.
If you possess the expertise to manage complex federal agreements and the leadership skills to mentor a high-performing team, this Supervisory Grants Management Specialist role is an excellent next step. Apply today to contribute to the USDA's vital mission.
Why This Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career in Federal financial stewardship by joining the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as a Supervisory Grants Management Specialist.
Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Job Overview
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a seasoned leader to join the Agreement Services Center. In this high-impact role, you will provide critical oversight, policy interpretation, and technical expertise regarding federal financial assistance. You will mentor staff, manage complex agreements, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to protect the health and agricultural vitality of the United States. This is a vital leadership position for professionals looking to make a meaningful difference in federal regulatory and marketing programs.
Requirements for Supervisory Grants Management Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) for current federal employees.
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
- Demonstrate expert mastery of Federal financial assistance laws, including 2 CFR and Appropriations Law.
- Ability to pass background investigations for Moderate Risk (MR) position sensitivity.
- Must be able to submit a complete application package by the closing date, including a resume limited to two pages.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period upon selection.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Grants Management Specialist
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement agency-wide financial assistance policies.
- Proven experience in negotiating complex agreements including MOUs and reimbursable agreements.
- Strong background in conducting risk assessments and business reviews for grant programs.
- Proven leadership capability in assigning tasks, monitoring workflows, and mentoring professional staff.
- High-level liaison experience working with departmental-level entities and external stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary schedule.
- ✓Potential for relocation assistance.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and TSP.
- ✓Paid time off, including federal holidays, annual, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Prepare a targeted resume that does not exceed two pages and covers all required details.
- Click 'Apply Online' on the official USAJOBS listing to complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, or veteran preference forms if applicable).
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must explicitly detail your work history, including hours per week and salary-grade information.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in accepted formats like PDF or Word.
- Ensure your resume directly maps your experience to the duties listed in the job announcement to maximize your rating.
- Do not include photos or personal identifiers beyond what is strictly required.
- Submit your package well before the deadline to avoid potential system traffic or last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an education substitution for this position?
No, for this specific GS-13 position, the requirements focus entirely on specialized experience; there is no education substitution.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. The announcement strictly mandates a two-page maximum. Resumes exceeding this length will be removed from consideration.
Is telework allowed for this role?
The position is currently listed as not eligible for telework.
What if I have prior volunteer experience?
Yes, volunteer experience (including Peace Corps or AmeriCorps) counts toward your qualification if it is relevant to the duties of the position.
Can I request an accommodation for the application process?
Yes, APHIS provides reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Contact the agency contact listed in the job announcement.