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Posted: January 23, 2026 (0 days ago)

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County Executive Director Expanded

Farm Service Agency

Department of Agriculture

Fresh

Salary

$50,714 - $116,949

per year

Closes

February 2, 2026

GS-5 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $33,878 - $44,042

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience. Bachelor's degree.

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

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading and managing agricultural support programs for counties in California, including implementing federal farm policies, handling crop insurance, and overseeing local operations to help farmers and rural communities.

It's a great fit for someone with a background in agriculture, strong organizational skills, and experience in program analysis or administration who wants to work in government service.

Entry-level candidates with a relevant degree or basic experience can start at lower grades and advance based on qualifications.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5/CO-5 in agricultural program analysis and problem-solving, or equivalent education (e.g., graduate degree or superior academic achievement with bachelor's)
  • For higher entry levels (CO-7/CO-9): Master's degree, two years of graduate education, or one year of experience at GS-7/CO-7 including knowledge of agricultural policies and evaluative techniques
  • For CO-11/CO-12: One year of progressively higher experience equivalent to CO-9/CO-11 or supervisory roles in federal agricultural service
  • Successful completion of the County Executive Director Training (CEDT) program if not already a current CED
  • Ability to direct and manage program/administrative operations for one or more counties, including USDA farm bill programs and Risk Management Agency crop insurance
  • Knowledge of basic principles of fact-finding, analysis, and problem-solving applied to agricultural programs
  • Submission of transcripts demonstrating education qualifications by application closing date

Full Job Description

These are County Executive Director - Expanded positions located in the following locations: Madera County in Madera, California Kings County in Hanford, California Per 27-PM, Par.

472E, this vacancy is being advertised with an expanded area of consideration. 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-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 bachelor's 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 Six months of experience as a CED or CEDT at the CO-5 level. 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 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 experience equivalent to at least grade CO-7 or GS-7 in the federal service.

Experience 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 1 year of any supervisory experience. 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 experience equivalent to at least grade CO-9 or GS-9 in the federal service.

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

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.

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).
  • Providing basic FSA farm loan program services.
  • May perform additional 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: 1/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/23/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: FSACO-12871007-26-CA-RW