Job Summary

These positions are located within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The location of these positions will be determined upon selection. In this position, you will serve as the Administrative Officer for the assigned location providing leadership in the management of business functions in support of assigned research programs. USDA employees: Please refer to the Next Steps section.

Job Description

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement 11/24/2026 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 the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. GS-09 Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 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 is experience performing administrative duties including producing and reviewing official documentation or reports; participating in budget or financial management, human resources, contracting or procurement, or facility management activities. OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or JD., if related. Related degrees may include business administration, business management, project management, or human resources. OR A combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described above. GS-11 Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 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 is coordinating administrative procedures related to human resources, budgets and facility management; managing contracting or procurement actions; and evaluating and developing administrative management policies, procedures, or operations. OR Education: Successful completion of three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or Ph.D. equivalent doctoral degree, or LL.M., if directly related. Related degrees may include business administration, business management, project management, or human resources. OR A combination of specialized experience and graduate education as described above. GS-12 Qualifying experience for GS-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 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 is experience providing leadership and oversight to an administrative team; managing all phases of budget formulation and execution; advising management on human resources laws and regulations; and developing business plans to meet administrative requirements for an organization. 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.