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Posted: March 23, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Assistant Administrator

Food Safety and Inspection Service

Department of Agriculture

Fresh

Location

Salary

$216,011 - $228,000

per year

Closes

April 13, 2026More USDA jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This high-level executive role in the Food Safety and Inspection Service involves leading efforts to ensure safe food production across the nation, managing large teams, and driving government efficiency in agriculture oversight.

It's ideal for experienced leaders passionate about public service, the U.S. Constitution, and improving federal operations through smart resource use and innovation.

Candidates should have a proven track record in executive management and policy-making in regulated industries like food safety.

Key Requirements

  • Demonstrated executive experience addressing all five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) in a resume, including commitment to the rule of law, driving efficiency, merit and competence, leading people, and achieving results
  • Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to food safety, inspection, or agricultural regulation, shown through examples in a 2-page resume
  • Senior-level leadership in managing resources, budgets, and programs with a focus on fiscal responsibility and technological upgrades
  • Ability to inspire high-performance teams, foster accountability, and lead through change in a government or regulatory environment
  • Knowledge of the U.S. system of government and commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving the public
  • Experience producing high-quality work with problem-solving skills and resilience in complex, high-stakes settings

Full Job Description

This position is designated as SES, Career-Reserved. USDA structures its SES positions into position levels. This is a position level 3 with a salary range of $216,011 to $228,000 per year.

Exceptions to the salary cap may be considered in certain circumstances. SES employees are also eligible to receive bonuses and performance-based awards.

Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/ for additional information and benefits for SES employees. The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY.

DO NOT submit separate Executive Core Qualifications/Technical Qualifications in lieu of a resume.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES using 0.8-inch margins and 11-point font.

Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s).

If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): The ECQs were designed to assess executive experience and potential, not technical expertise.

They measure whether an individual has the broad executive skills needed to succeed in a variety of SES positions. All applicants must address the ECQs.

Your resume must address each ECQ and should describe your experiences and accomplishments/results.

Your resume should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken and the results of your actions.

NOTE: Current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates who have been certified by OPM do NOT need to address the ECQs.

1.

Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

(Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness) 2.

Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

(Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology) 3.

Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

(Competencies: Technical Skills, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience) 4.

Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. (Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement) 5.

Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

(Competencies: Operation Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking) For more information regarding the SES and ECQs, please visit SES Executive Core Qualifications.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ): In addition to the ECQs, applicants must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet the following technical qualifications: (1) Demonstrate knowledge of FSIS' international programs and goals.

Provide examples of your accomplishments in coordinating with both internal and external partners to achieve international goals.

(2) Demonstrate experience identifying and analyzing issues related to the import and export of FSIS regulated products.

Provide examples of your experience in leading the implementation of changes to import and export policies and regulations.

(3) Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, for example with high-level Government officials including the most senior organizational leaders, representatives of foreign countries, the public, Congress, and audiences varying widely in background, experience, and level of understanding on matters related to imports and/or exports which may be sensitive, controversial, and complex.

Major Duties:

  • The incumbent is responsible for directing, reviewing, and evaluating long-range strategic plans, policies and programs; adjusts objective/plans to address anticipated and undefined issues, problems and situations.
  • Serves as the coordinator of the international activities of the Office of Field Operations (OFO), the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA) and the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD).
  • Works in concert with other USDA and Federal agencies concerning international food safety responsibilities. Ensures international and domestic policy development is coordinated with international trade agreements.
  • Coordinates the identification and analysis of issues related to the import and export of meat, poultry, and egg products with the Office of Field Operations (OFO) and the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD).
  • Develops U.S. government positions on international trade agreements regarding imported and exported meat, poultry, and egg products; negotiates bilateral and multilateral agreements with foreign countries; negotiates requirements for certification.
  • Interprets and implements food safety laws and policies for the Agency, USDA and other Federal agencies with international public health and food safety responsibilities.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/23/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: FSIS-SES-2026-6621