Launch Your Career: Program Management Specialist with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

Are you looking to pivot your career toward public service and international affairs? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently hiring a Program Management Specialist based in Miami, Florida. This role is a unique opportunity to support the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in its vital mission to connect American agriculture with global markets.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Management Specialist, your work will be diverse and highly impactful. Key responsibilities include:

Administrative & Logistical Support: Managing the day-to-day operations of the office, including room scheduling, travel authorizations, and supply chain management.
Financial Oversight: Utilizing financial software to track budgets, monitor expenditures, and reconcile transactions against both FAS and State accounting systems.
Correspondence Management: Drafting and editing formal correspondence, travel messages, and cables to ensure clear communication between regional offices and headquarters.
IT & Systems Maintenance: Acting as the primary point of contact for office technology, ensuring servers and computer equipment are functional and maintained.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Resume Limits: A strict two-page limit applies to all resumes submitted.
Background Checks: Ability to undergo and maintain a federal security/suitability investigation.
Financial Disclosure: You will be required to file a financial disclosure report.

Comparison of Potential Candidates

Candidate Profile	Qualification Path	Key Advantage
Experienced Professional	Specialized Experience	Proven track record in financial tracking and office management.
Recent Graduate	Master's Degree/Graduate Education	Demonstrates strong theoretical knowledge in relevant fields.
Current Federal Employee	Career/Career-Conditional	Familiarity with federal systems and regulations.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $65,735 to $85,460 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employment comes with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Work-life balance through telework and flexible scheduling.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience highlights the specific administrative and financial duties mentioned in the job description.
Mind the Deadline: Submit your application well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
Prepare Your Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, ensure your transcripts are legible and include your name.

The Program Management Specialist role in Miami is more than just a job; it is a way to contribute to the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. If you have the administrative acumen and the desire to work in an international-facing environment, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and submit your application today.

Why This Program Management Specialist Job Matters

Join the Foreign Agricultural Service in Miami and play a pivotal role in linking U.S. agriculture to the global marketplace through expert program management.

Program Management Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a Program Management Specialist to join the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Miami, Florida. As a core member of the Office of Deputy Administrator Foreign Affairs, you will support international trade capacity building, oversee regional office operations, and ensure that our agricultural initiatives are managed with precision and efficiency.

Requirements for Program Management Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be Selective Service registered if male and born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Commitment to receiving federal payments via direct deposit.
Requirement to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
Willingness to physically report to the Miami duty station regularly.
Two-page maximum limit for resumes.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Management Specialist

Experience with financial/budget software tools to generate reports and manage allocations.
Background in office management, travel coordination, and meeting logistics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internal tracking systems.
Strong communication skills for drafting correspondence, travel messages, and formal cables.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex scheduling and supply inventory for regional operations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options
✓Retirement savings plans including TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility per USDA policy
✓Career advancement opportunities within the federal civil service

💡 How to Apply Program Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Management Specialist Job

Log into your USAJOBS account to initiate the application process.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required supporting documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS tracker for any requested interviews or assessments.

💡 General Tips

Double-check that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit; exceeding this will lead to disqualification.
Ensure your SF-50 forms clearly indicate your highest grade held and competitive service status.
Familiarize yourself with the 'USA Hire' assessment tools using the official resource center before starting.
Always turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive updates regarding your application status.
Use an unofficial transcript if you are using education to qualify, but keep an official copy ready for potential hiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, telework is available for this position in accordance with current USDA policy.

What is the maximum length allowed for the resume?

Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages will be removed from consideration.

Will relocation expenses be paid?

No, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses are not covered for this position.

Job from Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service is the diplomatic and development arm of the USDA. With a presence in over 70 countries, the FAS works to build, maintain, and expand international markets for U.S. agricultural products. By joining the team in Miami, you will be part of a crucial network that ensures American farmers and producers are represented on the global stage, while also facilitating food aid and technical assistance where it is needed most.