Summary This position is located in the Farm Service Agency, Georgia State Office, Farm Programs Branch, in Athens, Georgia. The selectee plans, administers and reviews all aspects of the farm program activities. Responsibilities Serves as resource person to the Supervisor, State Executive Director, State Committee, County Offices and District Directors for information and advice on a variety of matters. Analyze and interpret provisions on current and proposed national program policies, procedures and regulations to determine their applicability to and impact on program administration in the State. Responds to complaints and resolves problems referred by County Offices or producers regarding interpretations/decisions of controversial issues. Interprets national program policies, procedures and regulations to determine their applicability to and impact upon program administration in the State. Attends meetings and develops and maintains contacts with various governmental agencies, producers and trade organizations, County Offices, State agricultural officials, and the public. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date 02/02/2024 of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined. Specialized experience for the GS-9: One full-time year of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-7 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of the laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and conservation programs to assist in the determination of 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 communicating with representatives of public organizations, farmers' associations, and others, to provide agricultural program information affecting them -OR- Two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas -OR- A combination of graduate education and experience as listed above. Specialized experience for the GS-11: One full-time year of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-9 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience which demonstrates knowledge of the laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and conservation programs to assist in applying 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 working with representatives of public organizations, farmers' associations, and others, to interpret agricultural regulations, programs, and policies affecting them -OR Three full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas -OR- A combination of graduate education and experience as listed above. Specialized experience for the GS-12: One full-time year of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of the laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and 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. 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 Education requirement/substitution for the GS-9 & GS-11: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. THE SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION IS NOT QUALIFYING FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. 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 work day, 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.