Launch Your Career as a Research Agricultural Economist at the USDA

Are you an economist passionate about the retail food sector, consumer behavior, and public policy? The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) is seeking a skilled Research Agricultural Economist to join their team in Kansas City, Missouri. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-level research that shapes national agricultural policy and influences food security for millions.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for the following key activities:

Policy-Relevant Research: Lead and participate in research projects regarding the behavior of retail food markets.
Data Analysis: Analyze primary and secondary data to determine trends in food access and price stability.
Forecasting: Utilize and refine complex economic models and forecasting methods, similar to the ERS Food Price Outlook.
Communication: Prepare formal reports, policy briefings, and manuscripts to communicate findings to various stakeholders.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements:

Education: A degree in economics including 21 semester hours in economics and 3 in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or a related Ph.D. degree.
Documentation: A resume (max two pages) is mandatory.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Requirement Type	Essential Criteria
Education	Economics major or equivalent
Experience	1 Year of GS-11 equivalent work
Writing Skills	Formal research or policy writing
Technical Skills	Microeconomics/Econometrics

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $90,968 to $118,261 per year. Beyond the salary, employees benefit from a robust federal package:

Telework opportunities (up to four days per week).
Flexible work scheduling.
Career advancement and development plans.
Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume cannot exceed two pages; this is a hard requirement.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly document your experience in producing formal reports.
Transcripts: Submit your transcripts early to ensure they meet federal standards.

The role of a Research Agricultural Economist at the USDA is more than a job—it is a chance to influence the economic landscape of the American food system. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply by November 13, 2026.

Why This Research Agricultural Economist Job Matters

Shape the future of food policy and consumer economics with the USDA’s Economic Research Service.

Research Agricultural Economist Job Overview

Join the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) as a Research Agricultural Economist in Kansas City. In this pivotal role, you will perform high-level analysis on retail food markets and consumer behavior, directly influencing policy decisions that impact the national food economy. You will contribute to critical research, forecasting food price trends, and providing data-driven insights to public and private stakeholders.

Requirements for Research Agricultural Economist

U.S. Citizenship.
Degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
Combination of education and experience equivalent to an economics major.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
Experience producing formal written materials such as research papers, manuscripts, or policy briefings.
Proficiency in microeconomic or micro-econometric research and data analysis.
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, or a related discipline may substitute for experience.
Strict two-page resume limit.

Preferred Qualifications for Research Agricultural Economist

Strong background in retail food sector analysis.
Demonstrated ability to handle primary and secondary data sets with high levels of complexity.
Experience with forecasting methodologies used in food price modeling.
Excellent communication skills for translating technical findings into policy-relevant insights.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Telework eligibility (up to four days per week).
✓Flexible work arrangements.
✓Career development planning with promotion potential.
✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives (case-by-case basis).

💡 How to Apply Research Agricultural Economist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Research Agricultural Economist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a two-page resume highlighting specialized experience.
Gather academic transcripts.
Click the apply button to initiate the online questionnaire.
Attach all required documentation in PDF or Word format (under 5MB).
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in automatic disqualification.
Clearly link your work experience to the major duties listed in the announcement.
Proofread your application thoroughly; inaccuracies or omissions can lead to non-selection.
Upload unofficial transcripts early to ensure they are compatible with the system.
Check your USAJOBS profile to enable email notifications for application status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the education requirement for this role?

You must possess a degree in economics with at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus, or a combination of education and experience.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

While the position is located in Kansas City, it is eligible for telework up to four days per week, though it is not a fully remote position.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

The agency strictly enforces a two-page limit; any resume exceeding this length will be removed from consideration.

Job from Economic Research Service

The Economic Research Service (ERS) serves as the primary source of economic information and research for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ERS research is utilized by policymakers, the legislative branch, and the public to make informed decisions regarding food markets, rural development, and environmental sustainability. By joining ERS, you will be part of a team dedicated to objective, evidence-based analysis.