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Posted: March 4, 2026 (0 days ago)

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County Executive Director

Farm Service Agency

Department of Agriculture

Fresh

Salary

$74,678 - $116,362

per year

Closes

March 17, 2026More USDA jobs →

GS-9 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $51,332 - $66,732

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-8. Master's degree or 2 years graduate study.

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

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a County Executive Director at the Farm Service Agency, where you'll lead the daily operations of county offices, manage agricultural programs like farm loans and crop insurance, and oversee a team to support local farmers.

It's ideal for experienced supervisors from within the agency who have handled similar roles in farm policy and administration, especially those familiar with USDA initiatives.

You'll need strong leadership skills and knowledge of rural agricultural support to succeed in this hands-on management position.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized supervisory experience equivalent to GS-9 or CO-9 level in federal service, such as in FSA supervisory, CEDT, or Program Analyst/Technician in Charge roles within the last 5 years
  • For higher level (CO-12): One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 or CO-11
  • Current FSA County Office (CO) or GS federal employees in Montana, or former FSA supervisory employees (within last 5 years) with at least 52 weeks of specialized experience
  • Current Program Analysts who completed CEDT program within last 5 years, or served in charge roles for more than 1 year
  • Meet time-in-grade requirement of 52 weeks at the next lower grade for promotions
  • Successful completion of CEDT training program if not already a current CED or program completer
  • All qualifications per Handbook 27-PM and OPM standards by closing date

Full Job Description

These are County Executive Director positions, locations are listed to the right. This position is employed by the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee(s).

Open to current FSA CO and GS FSA Federal employees within the state of Montana only.

** Additional Clarification from the Agency; The following may also be considered: Former (within the last 5 years) FSA supervisory/managerial CO or GS employees with a minimum of 52 weeks of specialized experience.

Current Program Analyst, who: previously completed the CEDT program within the last 5 years and: requested to remain on the STC register for a 1-year extension exceeded the combined 2-year time limit for the STC register served as Program Analyst in Charge or (Program Technician in Charge) for more than 1 year within the last 5 years.

Note: Must have more than 52 weeks of total experience acquired on 1 to 3 temporary promotions during the most recent 5-year period.

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, CEDT position, or PA-in-Charge/PT-in-Charge 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-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.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/4/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/4/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: FSACO-12900176-26-MT-HA