The incumbent of this position serves as an Agricultural Program Specialist in the Safety Net Division under the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs (DAFP). PLEASE NOTE: This is a full time, detail/temporary promotion opportunity. Initial action will be not to exceed one year but may be terminated earlier or extended as needed in compliance with policy. The maximum appointment length may be extended up to 5 years. Please see the Additional Information section for more details.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level). You must include an SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one) that supports meeting this requirement with your application package This is a full time, detail/temporary promotion opportunity. Initial action will be not to exceed one year but may be terminated earlier or extended as needed in compliance with policy. The maximum appointment length may be extended up to 5 years. Position may be made permanent without further competition as per agency policy Individual Occupational Requirement 1. Education: Undergraduate Education: Major study -- economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, animal or poultry science/husbandry, agronomy, soil science, or related curricula dealing with the production and distribution of farm products. Graduate Education: Major study -- dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas. OR 2. Experience: Experience that demonstrated: Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and conservation programs and of the particular application of national policies and objectives at the State level; Understanding of farming practices and customs in the United States, and of the economic needs of farm communities at the State level; Knowledge of current State and Federal agricultural trends; and Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with representatives of public and private organizations, farmers' associations, and others, and to interpret regulations, programs, and policies affecting them. Examples of qualifying experience include: Agricultural extension work as a subject-matter specialist, county agent, or assistant or associate county agent. Teacher of vocational agriculture. District director, State program specialist, or county office employee performing duties in the operational phases of farm programs such as production adjustment, price support, and conservation. Experience at the county, district, or State government levels in the operational phases of farm programs of the type carried out through such agencies as the Soil Conservation Service, Farmers Home Administration, or related programs. In addition to meeting one of the Individual Occupational Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered: Specialized Experience for the GS-13 level.: To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Developing contract and application maintenance policies, program plans, procedures and/or software requirements; Providing guidance on farm program policy and procedures to field offices and other Agencies; Interpreting laws and regulations governing farm programs to serve as an adviser on the application of national policies and objectives at the State and/or county level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-admin.asp. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Direct the assembly and dissemination of automated systems and related procedures for assigned programs administered by the Division as well as by other FSA staffs and USDA agencies as assigned.
Review and evaluate program activities in the field, prepare appropriate reports, and develop recommendations to correct deficiencies or improve operations.
Establish and maintain relationships with producers, the trade, and other related groups, both domestic and international, and other divisions and offices of FSA to obtain policy and program recommendations.
Provide direction and assistance to State offices with respect to assigned program operations and procedures.
Provide national focal point for handling requests for interpretations, changes, and modifications in assigned program areas.
Analyze audit and investigation reports pertaining to assigned programs, draft responses, and take corrective action as necessary
Assist in the assembly and dissemination of automated systems and related procedures for assigned programs administered by the Division as well as by other FSA staffs and USDA agencies as assigned.