Launch Your Career as an Agricultural Program Specialist with the FSA

Are you passionate about the future of American farming? Do you have the analytical skills to translate complex federal regulations into real-world solutions? The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently looking for an Agricultural Program Specialist to join our mission-driven team. This role is perfect for professionals who want to dedicate their expertise to the stability and growth of the agricultural sector.

About the Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), plays a critical role in providing a safety net for American farmers and ranchers. Our work ensures that agricultural producers have the support they need to maintain viable operations during market shifts or environmental challenges. Joining the FSA means becoming part of an organization that values diversity, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance.

Job Responsibilities

As an Agricultural Program Specialist, your primary objective is to manage the operational phases of farm programs within the state. Key duties include:

Policy Implementation: Translating national policies and objectives into effective state-level procedures.
Regulatory Guidance: Interpreting complex legal requirements and handbooks for county offices.
Relationship Management: Maintaining strong communication with government agencies, producers, and trade organizations to advance program objectives.
Compliance Oversight: Analyzing reports and performing site checks to ensure programs are administered correctly and deficiencies are addressed.
Problem Solving: Addressing unique, precedent-setting situations that fall outside standard procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in agricultural sciences or farm management. Below is a comparison of typical grade requirements:

Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
GS-9	Master's Degree or 2 years grad study	1 year of equivalent GS-7 experience
GS-11	Ph.D. or 3 years grad study	1 year of equivalent GS-9 experience
GS-12	No substitution allowed	1 year of equivalent GS-11 experience

All applicants must also meet general requirements, such as U.S. citizenship and registration with the Selective Service.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for this role ranges from $52,727 to $99,404 annually, depending on the grade level and location. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package:

Health & Wellness: Access to top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
Financial Security: Participation in the federal retirement and supplemental savings system.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including vacation and sick days, plus federal holidays.
Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement and potential non-competitive promotions.

Application Tips for Success

Be Precise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use this space wisely to highlight work experience directly related to the position.
Follow Directions: Ensure your transcripts clearly display course numbers and titles. If an official transcript is not available, include an unofficial one that provides all required info.
Assessments: Take the USA Hire Assessment seriously. It is a critical component of the evaluation process and must be completed within the designated time frame.
Status Check: Keep an eye on your application status via your USAJOBS account to ensure all required documentation has successfully transferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I have a disability that prevents me from taking the online assessment? A: You may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. Instructions for this are provided within the application portal.

Q: Are there relocation incentives? A: Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized based on agency needs and candidate qualifications.

Q: How often is my performance evaluated? A: Employees undergo periodic evaluations as part of their career development and to determine continued suitability for the role.

The Agricultural Program Specialist role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to the backbone of the American economy. If you have the experience and the commitment to uphold the integrity of our farm programs, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey with the Farm Service Agency today and help us build a sustainable future for our nation's farmers.

Why This Agricultural Program Specialist Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on American agriculture by shaping federal programs from the inside. Join the Farm Service Agency as an Agricultural Program Specialist.

Agricultural Program Specialist Job Overview

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated Agricultural Program Specialist to join our team in Kansas. This role involves administering critical farm programs, interpreting complex regulations, and providing expert guidance to support the agricultural community. You will play a vital role in ensuring that national policies are effectively implemented at the state level, directly impacting the livelihood of American farmers.

Requirements for Agricultural Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Ability to serve a one-year probationary period.
Must pass E-Verify employment verification.
Compliance with federal direct deposit requirements.
Resume limit of two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Agricultural Program Specialist

Extensive knowledge of agricultural stabilization and conservation laws.
Strong understanding of U.S. farming practices and regional economic needs.
Proven ability to translate national policies into actionable state-level procedures.
Experience managing stakeholder relationships with farming associations and public organizations.
Advanced education (Master's or Ph.D.) in fields such as agricultural marketing, farm management, or agronomy.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Retirement and supplemental savings plans.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Long-term care and life insurance options.
✓Supportive and diverse professional environment.

💡 How to Apply Agricultural Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Agricultural Program Specialist Job

Carefully review the entire job announcement.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather necessary documentation, including academic transcripts.
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the designated window.
Track your application status through your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the major duties listed in the announcement.
Use official course syllabi if your academic transcripts contain ambiguous course titles.
Verify that your uploaded documents are under 5MB and in an acceptable format.
Set aside 1-2 hours of quiet time to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
Enable email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive critical status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this position?

Candidates must have a degree in a relevant field such as agricultural economics, farm management, or animal science, or possess equivalent specialized experience.

Can I work remotely?

While this position is eligible for telework based on agency policy, it is not a fully remote position and requires physical proximity to an office as determined by the agency.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Resumes must not exceed two pages; submissions exceeding this length will result in disqualification.