Agricultural Program Specialist

Farm Service Agency•Jackson, MS

About The Position

This position is with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Mississippi State Office, in Jackson, Mississippi. The specialist plans, administers, and reviews farm program activities and serves as a resource for program guidance at the state and county levels. The position interprets national policies, procedures, and regulations for application in Mississippi; addresses program administration issues; identifies non-compliance and recommends corrective solutions; and investigates allegations of fraud or program abuse. The position requires a qualifying combination of education and experience for the GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 grade level. At GS-12, education cannot substitute for the required specialized experience. The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. This is a bargaining unit position.

Requirements

Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check; employment is subject to continuous automated record checks under Trusted Workforce 2.0.
Serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest to remain employed after that period.
Use direct deposit for federal payments.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Meet the GS-1145 basic requirement through qualifying education in a listed agricultural, economics, business, or related field, or experience demonstrating knowledge of agricultural stabilization and conservation laws and regulations, U.S. farming practices and farm-community economic needs, current state and federal agricultural trends, and ability to maintain effective relationships and interpret relevant programs and policies.
For GS-09, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, qualifying graduate education, or an allowable combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes reviewing or commenting on national FSA program policy; interpreting and applying regulations to resolve program administration issues; explaining program requirements; conducting reviews; and recommending solutions.
For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying doctoral-level education, or an allowable combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes assisting with agricultural and FSA program planning; directing or coordinating statewide agricultural programs through county committees and offices; and working with public organizations, farmers' associations, and others to interpret agricultural regulations, programs, and policies.
For GS-12, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. Experience must include applying laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and FSA programs to advise on national policies and objectives at the state level; understanding U.S. farming practices and farm-community economic needs; and maintaining relationships with public organizations, farmers' associations, and others to interpret relevant regulations, programs, and policies.
Meet the time-in-grade requirement of 52 weeks at the next lower grade if currently a federal GS employee applying for a promotion.
If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts. Foreign education must include acceptable equivalency documentation and English-language transcripts or translation.

Responsibilities

Serve as a resource to the Supervisor, State Executive Director, State Committee, County Offices, and District Directors by providing information and advice on assigned programs.
Provide technical guidance on problems and resolve matters between program participants and County FSA Offices.
Interpret national program policies, procedures, and regulations to determine their applicability and impact on program administration in Mississippi.
Identify and analyze program non-compliance and recommend corrective solutions.
Attend meetings and develop contacts with governmental agencies, producers, trade organizations, County Offices, State agricultural officials, and the public.
Investigate allegations of fraud or program abuse.