Lead the Future of Agriculture: Become a County Executive Director with the USDA

Are you a dedicated federal professional looking to elevate your impact on the American agricultural landscape? The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Montana is currently seeking experienced, motivated individuals to serve as County Executive Directors (CEDs). These roles are integral to the success of farming communities across the state, offering the chance to lead operations, implement federal policies, and manage diverse teams.

Job Responsibilities

As a County Executive Director, you will be the face of the USDA in your assigned county. Your primary duties include:

Operational Leadership: Directing and managing all program and administrative operations for your assigned county or multiple counties.
Policy Implementation: Executing both permanent and ad hoc farm bill policies, as well as crop insurance operations.
Staff Management: Providing leadership, guidance, and direction to subordinate office staff.
Agricultural Liaison: Engaging with local farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders to ensure they have access to the programs and support they need.
Field and Office Activity: Performing on-site inspections and office administrative tasks to ensure program integrity.

Comparison of Qualifications by Grade Level

Grade Level	Required Specialized Experience	Education Equivalence
CO-09	1 year at CO-7/GS-7	Master's degree or 2 years grad education
CO-11	1 year at CO-9/GS-9	N/A (Based on supervisory experience)
CO-12	1 year at CO-11/GS-11	N/A (Based on supervisory experience)

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must be a current permanent CO or GS employee. You will be evaluated based on your ability to demonstrate specialized knowledge of agricultural program policies. Your resume must highlight your experience in supervisory roles, your understanding of USDA program reports, and your ability to apply analytical techniques to improve office efficiency.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $116,362 per year, depending on the grade level and your professional experience. This remuneration reflects the importance of the role and the high level of responsibility entrusted to CEDs.

Benefits

Working for the USDA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy a wide array of federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive health insurance (including dental and vision).
Retirement savings programs (FERS) and TSP.
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Flexible work schedules and telework options.
Family-friendly benefits and career development support.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly lists your job titles, employment dates (month/year), and work schedule. Providing the correct series and grade level for your current and past federal roles is critical for qualification assessments. Finally, always save a copy of your completed application for your own records.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and provide vital leadership to the agricultural community in Montana, this is your opportunity. Apply today to help the Farm Service Agency continue its tradition of excellence in supporting American agriculture. Visit the USAJobs portal to begin your application before the closing date.

Why This County Executive Director Job Matters

Advance your career in agricultural leadership with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Montana. We are seeking experienced professionals to serve as County Executive Directors, ensuring the success of vital farm programs across the state.

County Executive Director Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is looking for dedicated leaders to fill County Executive Director (CED) positions in multiple Montana locations. As a CED, you will oversee the administration and management of critical farm programs, act as a liaison for the local agricultural community, and guide the daily operations of county office staff. This is a significant leadership opportunity for permanent CO or GS employees to influence the impact of USDA initiatives at the local level.

Requirements for County Executive Director

Must be a current permanent CO or GS employee.
Must possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to lower grade levels.
Must provide official college transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Completion of the County Executive Director Training (CEDT) program requirements as specified in Handbook 27-PM.
Ability to independently examine agricultural program reports, applications, and supporting documents.
Experience in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to improve program efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications for County Executive Director

Experience in an FSA Supervisory position.
Prior service in a CEDT or Program Analyst/Technician in Charge role.
Master's degree or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education.
Successful completion of the CEDT program within the last 5 years.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Federal retirement and supplemental savings plans.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance.

💡 How to Apply County Executive Director Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for County Executive Director Job

Review the full job announcement carefully on the USAJobs portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages, including your specific title and grade for each federal experience entry.
Log into the USAJobs portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, in supported formats (PDF, DOC, etc.).
Submit your application package electronically before 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
Save a copy of your application and confirmation screen for your records.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your work schedule and hours per week for all previous roles.
Verify that your uploaded documents transfer correctly to the agency's internal staffing system.
If you require a reasonable accommodation, reach out to the agency contact provided early in the process.
Avoid using Adobe Portfolio document formats, as they are not readable by the agency system.
Check your USAJobs profile and ensure email notifications are enabled to receive important status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

No, these specific positions are only open to current permanent CO or GS employees as part of an internal agency hiring path.

What if I experience technical issues while applying?

If you experience a hardship with the online system, contact the designated agency representative listed in the announcement well before the closing date.

Job from Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a cornerstone of the USDA, dedicated to serving American farmers and ranchers. By providing a safety net through various commodity, conservation, and loan programs, the FSA helps stabilize the agricultural economy. Joining the FSA means becoming part of an organization that values a healthy work-life balance, professional development, and the well-being of the American public.