Agricultural Program Specialist

Summary This position is with the Farm Service Agency, Indiana State Office, located in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Responsibilities 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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 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-13 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Developing farm records 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. Education There is no education substitution for the GS-13 level. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or 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. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.