Agricultural Program Specialist

Summary This position is in the Farm Service Agency, Alabama State Office, located in Montgomery, Alabama. About the position: The selectee plans, administers and reviews all aspects of the farm program activities. Responsibilities The selectee administers and advises on Agricultural Programs. Manages and directs the administration of assigned programs and related activities throughout the State. Provides administrative and technical supervision to a subordinate staff of support personnel. Serves as the expert advisor to the State Executive Director (SED) and State Committee (STC) on all Statewide programs within the functional area. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date 11/19/2024 of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience, as defined. Specialized experience for the GS-13 level: Applicants must have one full-time year (12 months) of specialized work experience in the agricultural field equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Experience that involved work in directing, developing, reviewing, administering and coordinating programs which demonstrate 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. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the GS-12 grade level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Agricultural Program Specialist Series 1145 (opm.gov) 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. Education THE SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION IS NOT QUALIFYING FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. CONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT: If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a security investigation and a credit report. This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the position and other flexible work arrangements. Current USDA policy includes telework for an 8-hour workday, 4 days per week; other flexibilities are possible dependent upon availability and/or the position and its associated duties. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.