Advance Your Career as a Research Agricultural Economist with the USDA
Are you an expert in econometric modeling with a passion for the American food supply chain? The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) is currently hiring a Research Agricultural Economist to join their team in Kansas City. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical policy research that shapes the nation's food market strategies.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will perform high-level economic research regarding food market structures and retailer behavior. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Conducting complex economic analyses related to food access and market competition.
- Evaluating the impact of economic shocks on consumer demand and manufacturer decisions.
- Managing large-scale econometric simulations.
- Collaborating with fellow researchers to publish policy-relevant findings.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A degree in economics including 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent, focused on advanced economic methodologies.
- Documentation: A two-page maximum resume is mandatory. Failure to follow this limit will result in disqualification.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $90,968 - $118,261 |
| Grade Level | GS-12 |
| Work Location | Kansas City, MO |
| Telework Potential | Up to 4 days per week |
Benefits
Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Extensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- Robust retirement options through the FERS system.
- Flexible work-life balance policies, including telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Use standard file formats and keep your resume to exactly two pages.
- Highlight Data Skills: Clearly document your experience in quantitative analysis and econometric modeling.
- Check Status: Use the USAJobs portal to verify that your uploaded documents have correctly transferred to the agency's internal system.
This position is a remarkable opportunity for a dedicated economist to influence federal policy in one of the most critical sectors of the economy. If you meet the qualifications, prepare your application carefully and submit it before the November 13, 2026 deadline.
Why This Research Agricultural Economist Job Matters
Influence the future of the American food supply chain by leveraging advanced economic research and data-driven insights with the USDA.
Research Agricultural Economist Job Overview
The USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) is seeking a highly skilled Research Agricultural Economist to join the Food Prices and Expenditures Branch in Kansas City, Missouri. This pivotal role involves leading complex research into food market trends, retail strategic behavior, and the dynamics of the food supply chain. Successful candidates will utilize quantitative analysis to provide actionable insights that support public and private decision-makers in navigating the complexities of the modern food economy.
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
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent
- Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, or a related field
- Must be able to pass a moderate risk background investigation
- Ability to adhere to a strict two-page resume limit
Preferred Qualifications for Research Agricultural Economist
- Strong proficiency in advanced econometric and simulation analysis
- Proven track record of managing large, complex data sets with significant gaps
- Experience in analyzing retail price and non-price channel competition
- Capability to produce high-quality, policy-relevant research publications
- Experience evaluating the welfare impacts of market structures
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including potential telework up to four days per week
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
💡 How to Apply Research Agricultural Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Research Agricultural Economist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJobs.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting relevant experience and education.
- Click the Apply button to access the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including college transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline of November 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
💡 General Tips
- Verify that your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit, as longer resumes will lead to disqualification.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are in accepted formats (PDF, DOC, TXT) and under 5MB.
- Double-check that transcripts include your name and course information; unofficial copies are acceptable for initial application.
- Log in to your USAJobs account to monitor your application status and check for email notifications.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact the agency representative early in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, the position is based in Kansas City, Missouri, though it may be eligible for telework up to four days per week.
Are veterans' preference points applied to this position?
No, because this position is filled under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA), numerical ranking and veterans' preference points do not apply.
What happens if I submit a three-page resume?
Your application will be rejected, as the two-page limit is a strict requirement for this specific vacancy.
Does the Direct-Hire Authority mean I don't need to provide my transcript?
*A: No. Even with Direct-Hire Authority, you must submit transcripts to prove you meet the basic educational requirements for the economist series.*
Is there potential for promotion?
*A: Yes, this position has promotion potential up to the GS-15 level, subject to career development plans and management approval.*
Job from Economic Research Service
The Economic Research Service (ERS) serves as the primary source of economic research and analysis for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Their work informs executive and legislative decision-makers, environmental groups, and the public on issues ranging from rural development to food safety and supply chain efficiency. Joining the ERS means becoming part of a high-impact team dedicated to evidence-based policy.