Leading the Future of American Specialty Crops: Join the USDA Senior Executive Service
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is calling upon experienced, visionary leaders to serve as the Deputy Administrator for the Specialty Crops Program. This Senior Executive Service (SES) position offers a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of American agriculture, ensuring that our nation's harvest of fruits, vegetables, and nuts is managed with the highest standard of efficiency and excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As the Deputy Administrator, you will be at the helm of a nationwide operation. Your primary duties include:
- Developing and directing policies that influence the fruit, vegetable, and nut industries.
- Leading a geographically dispersed workforce of 600 employees.
- Managing complex user-fee portfolios, inspection services, and market reporting.
- Representing the USDA before Congress, industry stakeholders, and foreign partners.
- Implementing strategic organizational changes to drive cost-effectiveness and operational integrity.
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious role, candidates must demonstrate a mastery of executive-level skills. Key requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.
- A commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.
- Submission of a 2-page resume that articulates your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQ).
Candidate Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement/Expectation |
|---|---|
| Resume Length | Maximum 2 Pages |
| Security Clearance | Secret |
| Work Arrangement | Telework Eligible |
| Financial Disclosure | Mandatory (SF-278) |
| Hiring Status | SES Career-Reserved |
Salary Overview
This position is categorized under the Senior Executive Service (SES) level 2 pay scale. The annual salary range is currently set between $204,122 and $216,010. Furthermore, executives may be eligible for performance-based bonuses and awards.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Federal retirement benefits.
- Paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
- Opportunities for professional development in a high-impact government setting.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Every word counts in your 2-page limit.
- Be Results-Oriented: Focus on the impact of your leadership, not just your duties.
- Follow Formatting: Use 11-point font and 0.8-inch margins.
- Proofread: Remove all PII and ensure your accomplishments directly map to the listed ECQs.
If you are a leader with a passion for agriculture and the executive prowess to drive change, this role at the USDA is your calling. Take the first step today to secure your place in leading our national agricultural policy.
Why This Deputy Administrator For Specialty Crops Program Job Matters
Lead the future of American agriculture by directing the Specialty Crops Program for the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service at the executive level.
Deputy Administrator For Specialty Crops Program Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking a visionary Deputy Administrator to steer the Specialty Crops Program. This Senior Executive Service (SES) role is pivotal in shaping policies that ensure the quality and market efficiency of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and related commodities across the nation. You will provide strategic leadership to a geographically dispersed team of 600 professionals, managing complex financial and administrative portfolios while representing the agency before Congress, industry stakeholders, and international partners.
Requirements for Deputy Administrator For Specialty Crops Program
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must pass a drug test
- Secret security clearance requirement
- Completion of a one-year probationary period upon appointment
- Must file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) within 30 days of appointment
- Demonstration of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within a 2-page resume
- Demonstration of Technical Qualifications (TQs) within a 2-page resume
- Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Administrator For Specialty Crops Program
- Demonstrated ability to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture
- Extensive experience in directing complex technical and administrative programs
- Proven track record in fiscal responsibility and managing large-scale, geographically dispersed organizations
- Expertise in legislative processes, interagency reviews, and international coordination
- Exceptional ability to resolve complex managerial and stakeholder challenges
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive SES salary structure ($204,122 - $216,010)
- ✓Performance-based bonuses and awards
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Relocation assistance
💡 How to Apply Deputy Administrator For Specialty Crops Program Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Deputy Administrator For Specialty Crops Program Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages (11-point font, 0.8-inch margins).
- Weave your ECQs and TQs directly into your resume narrative.
- Log in to the online application system to complete the Occupational Questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including SF-50 if applicable.
- Review your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Use concrete examples of your leadership achievements and the results of your actions.
- Clearly spell out acronyms the first time they appear.
- Avoid submitting separate narrative statements for ECQs or TQs as they will not be reviewed.
- Double-check that all PII, such as social security numbers, has been removed from your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit separate documents for my Executive Core Qualifications?
No. The application is resume-only. You must integrate your ECQs and TQs into your 2-page resume.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit may be disqualified or not reviewed beyond the second page.
Am I eligible for this position if I am not a current SES member?
Yes. This position is open to the public, competitive service, excepted service, and current SES members.
Job from Agricultural Marketing Service
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is a vital branch of the USDA, dedicated to facilitating the fair and efficient marketing of agricultural products. From supporting domestic hemp production to ensuring quality through grading and standardization, AMS acts as the backbone of the U.S. food supply chain. Joining this agency means contributing to a mission that supports farm communities, enhances economic opportunity, and provides nutritious food to the American public.