Become a Policy Officer for the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Are you a seasoned policy expert with a passion for agriculture and federal compliance? The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking a dynamic Policy Officer to join its team in Kansas City, Missouri. This position is a rare opportunity to influence federal assistance policies that support over 10,000 scientists and educators at Land-grant Universities across the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As a Policy Officer, you will serve as a primary advisor to the Associate Directors. Your core duties include:

Developing and overseeing work plans, operating budgets, and policy milestones.
Providing expert guidance on the financial and regulatory aspects of extramural programs.
Formulating federal financial assistance policy.
Leading the decision-making process through quantitative and balanced policy analysis.
Guiding recipient institutions on internal compliance and financial control systems.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-15 position, you must demonstrate the following:

Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience comparable to GS-14, involving financial management, policy establishment, and regulatory compliance.
Application Compliance: Your resume must not exceed two pages.
Documentation: You must provide all requested proof of eligibility, including transcripts or veteran documentation if applicable.
Security: You must pass a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI).

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary commensurate with the GS-15 grade level:

Pay Period	Annual Salary Range
Per Year	$150,359 - $195,469

Benefits

Relocation expenses are authorized.
Access to federal health and retirement benefits.
Telework eligibility.
Flexible work arrangements as per agency policy.

Application Tips

Act Fast: With a cap of 150 applicants, timing is critical. Ensure your application is ready to submit immediately.
Resume Check: The two-page limit is non-negotiable. Edit your resume for impact and brevity.
Assessments: Take advantage of the USA Hire resources to prepare for the competency-based assessments.
Communication: Keep email alerts enabled in your USAJOBS profile so you don’t miss interview requests or follow-up tasks.

The role of Policy Officer at NIFA is essential to maintaining the integrity and efficacy of our nation's agricultural research investments. If you possess the experience and leadership to navigate federal policy landscapes, apply today to help drive the future of U.S. agriculture.

Why This Policy Officer Job Matters

Shape the future of national agricultural research and federal policy as a senior Policy Officer with the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Policy Officer Job Overview

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking a highly skilled Policy Officer to join the Office of the Director. In this pivotal role, you will act as a primary advisor to Associate Directors, providing expert guidance on federal assistance policy. You will navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage precedent-setting policy development, and ensure compliance for NIFA’s vital extramural research and education programs. This position is a high-level opportunity for a professional experienced in managing financial, grant, and management processes at a senior level.

Requirements for Policy Officer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and credit check.
Complete a 1-year probationary period.
Submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
Possess specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Complete and submit all required application questionnaires and assessments.
Willingness to undergo financial disclosure reporting.

Preferred Qualifications for Policy Officer

Demonstrated expertise in federal financial assistance policy formulation.
Experience managing grant-related management processes.
Proven ability to provide legal, financial, and regulatory guidance on extramural programs.
History of establishing internal compliance controls and organizational policies.
Strong communication skills for presenting balanced, complex data to senior leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Relocation expenses authorized.
✓Eligibility for flexible work arrangements.
✓Federal health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the USDA.
✓Collaborative environment working with global agricultural experts.

💡 How to Apply Policy Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Policy Officer Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Click the online application link to register and create your profile.
Complete all required assessments (USA Hire) within the specified timeframe.
Upload all necessary supporting documents (transcripts, DD214 if applicable, SF-50).
Monitor your status in the application portal for updates.

💡 General Tips

Apply early; the announcement closes after the first 150 applications are received.
Double-check your resume page count; applications over two pages are automatically disqualified.
Use the USA Hire practice assessments on the OPM website to prepare.
Ensure all uploaded documents are in a standard format (PDF, DOC, etc.) and under 5MB.
Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive important status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for relocation?

Yes, relocation expenses are authorized for this position.

What is the application limit?

The announcement is limited to the first 150 applications or the closing date, whichever comes first.

Are there educational requirements?

There are no specific educational requirements for this position.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.

Job from National Institute Of Food And Agriculture

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is the extramural funding arm of the USDA. By facilitating critical agricultural research, NIFA ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of global sustainability and food production. Working here means being part of a team that shapes the future of the nation’s food security.