County Program Analyst
Farm Service Agency
Summary This is a County Program Analyst position, located in the Traill County FSA Office, in Hillsboro, North Dakota. Major responsibilities for this position can be found below. Responsibilities Carrying out office activities and functions pertaining to one or more of the program areas administered in the county. Interpreting and explaining procedures, program regulations and forms to producers and other agency personnel. Utilizing various web-based software applications to maintain producer data and processing automated forms. Using a high degree of initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assigned tasks and resolving problems encountered. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Qualifications are in accordance with requirements in Handbook 27-PM. Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date in the announcement, including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified below: You may start at the CO-05 level if you have one of the following qualifications: Successful completion of four years of education above high school in an accredited business, secretarial or technical, junior college, college or university in any field in which high school graduation or the equivalent is a prerequisite or bachelors degree from such an accredited college or university. OR At least one year of general work experience in support of projects, programs, or assignments providing a requisite knowledge of agricultural operations, agricultural management, governmental programs, or related office and customer service functions that indicate the ability to: analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; resolve conflict; communicate effectively both orally and in writing. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. You may start at the CO-07 level if you have one of the following qualifications: Successful completion of one full year of graduate education from an accredited college or university. OR Superior Academic Achievement: A bachelors degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university with either: grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale; 3.5 GPA based on a 4.0 scale for required courses completed in a major field of study during the last two years of undergraduate study; class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision of the college; membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, excluding freshman honor societies. An applicant must submit an unofficial copy of their transcript at the initial phase of the application process demonstrating that they qualify based on superior academic achievement. If selected for the position, an official transcript must be provided from the college or university before the applicant entering on duty. OR One-year specialized experience equivalent to grade CO-5 or GS-5 level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methods of fact-finding, analysis, and problem-solving techniques as they apply to the analysis, evaluation, and application of agricultural program requirements. In addition, knowledge of and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to assist in assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural program operations to make recommendations for improvements. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. You may start at the CO-09 level if you have one of the following qualifications: A Masters or equivalent graduate degree or two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university. OR One-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade CO-7 or GS-7 in the federal service. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of agricultural program policies and practices to independently examine applications, supporting documents, and program reports. In addition, experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to assist in assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural program operations to make recommendations for improvements. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. Time in grade: Current county and federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-admin.asp. Education College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit with your application package evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution was appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. Education standards. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process; however, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the “How to Apply” section for instructions on submitting the transcript. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation. Additional Information Veterans preference does not apply since this position is being advertised under Title 7 authorities. Relocation expenses are not authorized. When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval. This is a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position. This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). Optional – This position may be eligible to telework up to four (4) days per biweekly pay period (2 day per week) upon supervisory approval. This position may also be eligible for flexible work schedules in accordance with Department and Agency directives.