Agricultural Program Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Farm Service Agency, California State Office Davis, Yolo County, California. Responsible for administering and advising on assigned Farm Programs in the State, interpreting regulations and legal requirements, providing guidance to County offices on complex, precedent‑setting, or unusual situations. Provides information to producers, the public, and groups interested in the program and its operations. Duties Serves as resource person to the Supervisor, State Executive Director, State Committee, County Offices and District Directors for information and advice on assigned programs. Provides technical guidance on problems and resolves matters between program participants and County FSA Office. Interprets national program policies, procedures and regulations to determine their applicability to impact upon program administration in the State. Identifies and analyzes program non‑compliance, recommending corrective solutions. Attends meetings and develops contacts with various governmental agencies, producers and trade organizations, County offices, State agricultural officials, and the public. Investigates allegations of fraud or program abuses. Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected, you may be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are unable to reimburse for any fees incurred. Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. Qualifications GS‑1145 Series: 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 Experience: 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. 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. Specialized Experience Requirement – GS‑09 You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Reviewing and/or commenting on national FSA conservation policy. Interpreting and applying regulations to resolve program administration issues or problems. Explaining program requirements and provisions; conducting reviews and recommending solutions. OR Education at GS‑09 grade level: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as Economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, animal or poultry science/husbandry, agronomy, soil science, dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas. Specialized Experience Requirement – GS‑11 You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Assisting in the planning of agricultural and FSA conservation programs. Directing and/or coordinating agricultural programs on a statewide basis through county committees and county offices. Working with representatives of public organizations, farmers' associations, and others, to interpret agricultural regulations, programs, and policies affecting them. OR Education at GS‑11 grade level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as Economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, animal or poultry science/husbandry, agronomy, soil science, dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas. Specialized Experience Requirement – GS‑12 You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑11 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in applying laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and FSA conservation programs to serve as an advisor on the 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. Experience maintaining relationships with representatives of public organizations, farmers' associations, and others, to interpret agricultural regulations, programs, and policies affecting them. Time‑in‑Grade Requirement If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time‑in‑grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr AgHires