Launch Your Federal Career: Program Support Assistant with the USDA ARS

Are you an organized administrative professional looking to support world-class science? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is hiring two Program Support Assistants in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. This role is central to the mission of the agency, ensuring that the critical research conducted by our scientists is backed by efficient, reliable administrative support.

Position Comparison

Feature	Details
Position Grade	GS-06/07
Salary Range	$50,037 - $72,285
Location	Wyndmoor, PA
Organization	USDA - Agricultural Research Service

Key Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant, you will wear many hats. Your daily operations will include:

Business Process Oversight: Acting as the primary point of contact for administrative workflows.
Financial Administration: Managing unit procurement, monitoring spending, and preparing financial reports.
Travel & Scheduling: Coordinating domestic and international travel for staff and managing executive calendars.
Process Improvement: Identifying ways to simplify and streamline clerical office procedures.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet all qualification standards by the closing date. Key requirements include:

One year of specialized experience at the GS-05/06 level (or equivalent).
Proficiency in MS Office and common office software.
A typing speed of at least 40 words per minute.
Successfully completing a background check and one-year probationary period.

Salary and Benefits

Beyond the competitive salary range of $50,037 to $72,285, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package. This includes access to comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), generous paid leave, and job stability.

How to Apply

Prepare Your Resume: Keep it to two pages and ensure it highlights your specific administrative accomplishments.
Gather Documentation: Have transcripts and any veteran's preference documentation (DD214) ready.
Submit Online: Use the USAJOBS portal to complete your application before the November 3, 2026, deadline.
Complete Assessments: Watch your email for your unique link to the USA Hire assessment.

Working with the USDA ARS is more than a job—it is a chance to support scientific discovery. If you have the administrative expertise and the desire to serve the public, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job Matters

Join the Agricultural Research Service in Wyndmoor, PA, and play a vital role as a Program Support Assistant, driving administrative efficiency for crucial scientific research.

Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job Overview

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking two organized and detail-oriented Program Support Assistants (OA) to work in the Northeast Area office in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the primary administrative point of contact, providing expert support to Research Leaders and professional staff. Your contributions will directly facilitate the seamless operation of management units, ensuring that business processes related to finance, procurement, and scheduling function efficiently. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional looking to make an impact within a federal agency dedicated to solving vital agricultural challenges.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant (Oa)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Commitment to receiving salary via direct deposit.
Ability to pass an E-Verify employment check.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Resume must not exceed two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant (Oa)

Experience applying federal guidelines to program and administrative workflows.
Proficiency in developing and monitoring financial plans and budget tracking.
Experience coordinating complex domestic and foreign travel arrangements.
Advanced skills in office software, including spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation tools.
Proven ability to provide high-level customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression potential.
✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans (Thrift Savings Plan).
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
✓Flexible work arrangements available per agency policy.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly to ensure all requirements are understood.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it does not exceed two pages and covers all required work history details.
Click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to complete the questionnaires.
Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and any necessary veteran's preference forms.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the specified timeframe upon receiving your unique access link.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Your resume is limited to two pages; focus on high-impact accomplishments that demonstrate your administrative expertise.
Ensure your resume includes dates of employment, hours worked per week, and your job title/series.
Save your unique assessment link and allocate 1-2 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire components.
Use the 'Track this application' feature in your account to monitor your status and assessment requirements.
Verify that your uploaded files are in acceptable formats (PDF, DOC, TXT, etc.) and are under 5MB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Program Support Assistant?

You will serve as a key administrative liaison for two management units, managing financial documentation, procurement, travel arrangements, and clerical processes to support research staff.

Can I work remotely in this position?

The position is based in Wyndmoor, PA, though it is eligible for telework arrangements as determined by agency policy.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?

Per the announcement instructions, applicants who submit a resume exceeding the two-page limit will be disqualified from consideration.

Job from Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service is the USDA's primary scientific research organization. Our work spans from the laboratory to the field, creating innovations that ensure food safety, environmental sustainability, and agricultural productivity. By joining the ARS, you are contributing to a federal mission that touches the lives of millions of Americans daily.