These positions are located at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) on the Historically Black College & University campuses of Alabama A&M (Huntsville, AL) Alcorn State (Lorman, MS) and and Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, AR). The Program Specialist will serve as the USDA Liaison for the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities program and respective state.

Duties

Uses knowledge of available USDA programs and communicates that knowledge to local farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers, and other USDA stakeholders. Serves as a senior consultant to the State Food and Agriculture Committee (SF AC) to better integrate farmer and rancher perspectives, concerns, and interests into ongoing local programs. Identifies and facilitates opportunities that will enhance greater advocacy and outreach between USDA stakeholders and USDA agencies, mission areas, and offices. Assists the program lead for the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach (2501 Program) with distribution of information and materials to existing and potential award recipients. Collaborates with the Youth Organization Coordinator on developing partnerships with youth-serving organizations and schools to provide access to work-based learning opportunities aimed at improving high school and collegiate graduation rates. Facilitates the promotion of agriculturally-related careers in the public and private sectors, including placement at USDA to promote a diverse workforce. Participates in events, including open houses and career fairs at assigned University and neighboring minority-serving institutions across the state. Conducts benchmark studies and solicit feedback from stakeholders to identify systematic concerns. Reports findings through analytical measurers and tools.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current 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. Specialized Experience: At the GS-13: Qualifying experience for GS-13 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-12 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience working with Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) on student recruiting, HBCU's agricultural outreach and/or programs available to HBCUs 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

There is no education substitute for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

Contacts

• Address Office of Partnership and Public Engagement 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Cachea Barringer
• Email: [email protected]