Fresh Listing

Posted: April 16, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

County Executive Director

Farm Service Agency

Department of Agriculture

Fresh

Location

Central City, Nebraska

Salary

$61,722 - $116,362

per year

Closes

April 29, 2026More USDA jobs →

GS-7 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $41,966 - $54,557

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-6. Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading the daily operations of a local Farm Service Agency office in rural Nebraska, managing agricultural support programs for farmers, and ensuring compliance with federal policies on things like crop insurance and loans.

It's a leadership role where you'll oversee staff and help implement government farm initiatives.

A good fit would be someone with experience in agriculture, management, or government programs who enjoys working in a community-focused setting.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 or higher in agricultural programs, such as examining applications and assessing program efficiency
  • Successful completion of the County Executive Director Training (CEDT) program, or willingness to complete it if selected
  • Recent (within last 5 years) supervisory or managerial experience in FSA or similar roles, totaling at least 52 weeks
  • Knowledge of USDA farm bill programs, policies, and Risk Management Agency (RMA) crop insurance operations
  • For higher levels (CO-09 to CO-12): Master's degree or equivalent graduate education, or progressively higher experience in related fields
  • Meet time-in-grade requirements of 52 weeks at the next lower grade for current federal employees
  • Ability to direct administrative operations and make recommendations for program improvements

Full Job Description

This is a County Executive Director position, located in Merrick County Farm Service Agency Office, in Central City, Nebraska.

This position is employed by the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee(s).

** Additional Clarification from the Agency; The following may also be considered: Out-of-State CEDTs who have successfully completed the CEDT Program.

Former (within the last 5 years) FSA supervisory/managerial CO or GS employees with a minimum of 52 weeks of specialized experience.

If the selectee is not a current CED or has not successfully completed the CEDT program, then successful completion of the CEDT training program per requirements in handbook 27-PM paragraphs 472P and 477 is required.

*--Examples of Specialized Experience would be experience in an FSA Supervisory position or CEDT position within the last 5 years for a total of at least 52 weeks.

This training may be included as part of your performance plan. 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-09 level if you have one of the following qualifications: A Master's 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.

You may start at the CO-11 level if you have one of the following qualifications: One-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade CO-9 or GS-9 in the federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as supervisory experience that equipped the applicant with the particular KSA's to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.

Examples of specialized experience would be experience in an FSA supervisory position, CEDT position, or Program Analyst in Charge (Program Technician in Charge) position within the last 5 years.

You may start at the CO-12 level if you have one of the following qualifications: One-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade CO-11 or GS-11 in the federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as supervisory experience that equipped the applicant with the particular KSA's to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.

Examples of specialized experience would be experience in an FSA supervisory position, CEDT position, or Program Analyst in Charge (Program Technician in Charge) position within the last 5 years.

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. Major Duties:

  • Responsible for directing and managing program and administrative operations for one or more counties.
  • Carrying out permanent and ad hoc farm bill programs and policies established by USDA as well as crop insurance operations under policies established by the Risk Management Agency (RMA).
  • May perform farm loan program assignments based on authorities delegated.
  • Performing office and field activities as needed to accomplish program objectives.
  • Managing and directs activities of subordinate staff.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 4/16/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/16/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: FSACO-12936513-26-NE-HA