Become an Agriculturist with the USDA: A Career in Safeguarding American Agriculture

Are you a dedicated agricultural professional or educator looking to make a national impact? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking an Agriculturist to join the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) team in Frederick, Maryland. This position offers a unique blend of science, regulation, and professional training, providing the right candidate with the opportunity to protect U.S. markets while shaping the skills of future agricultural leaders.

Job Responsibilities

As an Agriculturist at the Center for Agricultural Safeguarding Training (CAST), your primary responsibilities will include:

Designing and delivering comprehensive, science-based training for Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) employees.
Collaborating with subject matter experts to conduct task analyses and performance assessments.
Developing clear, professional instructional materials that meet agency standards.
Providing technical guidance on the regulation of imported and exported agricultural commodities.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 role, applicants must demonstrate:

A solid foundation in biological sciences, agriculture, or chemistry through completed coursework or a relevant degree.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level involving regulatory enforcement, inspection, or official training/teaching.
Strong analytical and interpersonal abilities.
Successful completion of the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Candidate Comparison Table

Criteria	Required Standard	Preferred/Competitive Edge
Education	Relevant Bachelor's Degree	Advanced Degree in Life Sciences
Experience	1 Year at GS-11 equivalent	Direct experience in Federal compliance
Instructional Skills	Basic training delivery	Extensive experience in classroom curriculum design
Technical Skills	Agricultural inspection knowledge	Regulatory policy expertise

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-12 level, offering a competitive annual salary range of $102,415 to $133,142. As a federal position, this role provides significant career stability and annual step increase potential based on performance and tenure.

Benefits

Employees of the USDA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement Planning: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Flexibility: Telework opportunities to support a modern, hybrid working environment.

Application Tips

Watch the Word Count: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will automatically disqualify you.
Align with the Duties: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with agricultural regulations, training, or compliance as mentioned in the major duties section.
Test Preparation: Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the assessment format before you apply.
Proof of Eligibility: Have your SF-50s and transcripts ready before you begin the online application process to avoid last-minute delays.

If you have a background in agriculture and a passion for teaching others how to protect our nation's resources, this position at CAST is an ideal career move. Take the first step today by preparing your application materials and applying through the official USAJOBS platform before the closing date.

Why This Agriculturist Job Matters

Shape the future of agricultural protection by training the next generation of experts at the USDA’s Center for Agricultural Safeguarding Training.

Agriculturist Job Overview

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a dedicated Agriculturist to join the team at the Center for Agricultural Safeguarding Training (CAST) in Frederick, Maryland. In this pivotal role, you will leverage your scientific and regulatory expertise to design and deliver high-impact training programs, ensuring that the agency’s Plant Protection and Quarantine workforce is equipped to secure domestic and global agricultural markets.

Requirements for Agriculturist

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet time-in-grade requirements for federal promotion opportunities
Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
Ability to complete USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within the designated window
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk (MR) security clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Agriculturist

Demonstrated experience in enforcing agricultural import/export regulations
Proven background in designing and delivering formal government or academic training programs
Expertise in communicating complex biological and regulatory concepts to diverse audiences
Experience overseeing pest survey operations or team management
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to partner with subject matter experts

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and step increases
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility
✓Opportunities for professional development and training

💡 How to Apply Agriculturist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Agriculturist Job

Create a profile and resume on the official federal hiring portal.
Upload a resume (strictly two-page limit) and required transcripts.
Submit your application through the online system by the closing date.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
Monitor your application status and email notifications for further instructions.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; additional pages will lead to disqualification.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties described in the job announcement.
Set up email notifications in your profile to track application status updates in real-time.
Preview the online assessment questionnaire early to understand how your experience will be evaluated.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats like PDF or Word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, APHIS is an emergency response agency, and employees may be assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments for emergency programs.

Can I use an unofficial transcript to apply?

Yes, an unofficial copy is sufficient for the initial application, provided it includes your name and all relevant course information. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected.

What happens if I cannot take the USA Hire assessment during the window?

The assessment window closes 48 hours after the job announcement deadline. Failure to complete the assessment within this timeframe will result in your application being removed from consideration.

What is the selection timeline?

We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the application closing date.

Is a security clearance required?

This position requires a Moderate Risk (MR) suitability clearance, which will be processed upon selection.

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

Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths, including veterans, military spouses, and the general competitive service.

Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the primary federal agency responsible for protecting the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. As part of the Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), APHIS operates on both a domestic and global scale to facilitate the safe international trade of agricultural goods. Employees at APHIS are often at the front lines of emergency responses, ensuring that our food systems and ecosystems remain resilient against pests and diseases.