This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/488717700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
As an Agricultural Economist, you will direct or conduct research on developments in the agricultural economy, the agricultural finance sector, and farm policy as well as develop and maintain tools and complex models for evaluating farm sector or agricultural commodity market conditions and their impact on U.S. agriculture and the performance of the Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions.
This position is located in the Office of Regulatory Policy, Agricultural and Economic Policy, which manages policy and regulation development activities that ensure the safety and soundness of the FCS.
The ideal candidate for this position has (1) an advanced degree in economics or agricultural economics that allows him/her to apply economic theories, principles, and standards for monitoring and assessing emerging risks to the FCS and (2) skill in managing and using large data sets.
This position is being advertised at 3 grade levels: VH-38, VH-39, and VH-40. The salary ranges for each grade include a 24.58% geographic differential for McLean, VA.
- VH-38 (GS-12 equivalent): $90,352 to $149,080 per annum.
- VH-39 (GS-13 equivalent): $103,372 to $170,562 per annum.
- VH-40 (GS-14 equivalent): $118,265 to $195,137 per annum.
This position is also advertised for non-competitive and status eligible candidates under job opportunity announcement VA-17-0350-MP. If you would like to be considered under both merit promotion (MP) and delegated examining (DE) procedures, you must apply to both announcements.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
01/16/2018 to 02/15/2018
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Salary
$90,352 - $195,137 per year
Salary includes 24.58% locality differential.
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Pay scale & grade
VH 38 - 40
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Location
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Travel Required
Not required - Up to 5% for exam support, training and conferences.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-time - Competitive Service - Full Time
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Service
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Promotion potential
40
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Announcement number
VA-18-0350-DE
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Control number
488717700
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Duties
As an Agricultural Economist, you will:
- Conduct research and prepare various complex economic analyses on emerging risks to FCS institutions, which includes tracking conditions and changes in the agricultural economy, agricultural finance, and agricultural policy and developing and/or analyzing alternative economic scenarios for the U.S. agricultural finance sector and the FCS.
- Monitor developments in the economic, commodity, policy, financial and operating environment affecting the FCA and the FCS, and prepare reports and presentations for decision-makers and senior management on economic and policy developments.
- Develop, maintain, and validate analytical tools, complex models, and datasets used for monitoring risk in the Farm Credit System. This includes data/models internal and external including but not limited to those used for assessing risk, evaluating agricultural policy, the agricultural sector, and commodity market conditions.
- Develop and validate databases containing economic and financial information on agriculture and the FCS. Such data supports the Agency's risk evaluation activities and FCA management's decision-making processes regarding policy evaluation and development.
- Serve as project manager or team leader for projects and task groups for special studies and analyses of importance to agency management.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- One-year probationary period may be required.
- Submission of a financial disclosure report required.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must register with the Selective Service.
You must meet all qualification requirements and submit all required supporting documentation by the closing date of this announcement. If you are found to be among the most highly qualified candidates you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, by the closing date of this announcement, you must meet both the Basic Requirements and the Specialized Experience Requirements for the grade levels to which you are applying. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. To be creditable, specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service.
All applicants must meet the basic requirements: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; or a combination of education and experience including courses equivalent to a major in economics plus appropriate experience or additional education.
AND
Specialized Experience Requirements:
To qualify at the VH-38 (GS-12) grade level you must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the VH-37 (GS-11) grade level in Federal service that has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience using and maintaining economic or financial databases to identify and compile data and information used in models for analyses and reports; and
- Experience evaluating risk to agricultural commodity markets, credit markets, farm policy, or rural economic issues.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the VH-38 (GS-12) grade level.
To qualify at the VH-39 (GS-13) grade level you must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the VH-38 (GS-12) grade level in Federal service that has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience developing databases and models for performing economic or financial analyses to evaluate emerging risks in the agricultural financial sector;
- Experience tracking agricultural commodity markets, credit markets, farm policy, or rural economic issues to evaluate risk exposure of agri-business or agricultural lenders; and
- Experience researching and producing studies on economic and financial topics that require use of economic or financial databases and models.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the VH-39 (GS-13) grade level.
To qualify at the VH-40 (GS-14) grade level you must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the VH-39 (GS-13) grade level in Federal service that has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience leading projects for developing databases and complex models for economic or financial analyses to evaluate emerging risks in the U.S. agricultural financial sector;
- Experience tracking agricultural commodity markets, credit markets, farm policy, or rural economic issues to evaluate risk exposure of agri-businesses or agricultural lenders; and
- Experience serving as a project manager or leading groups that may be multidisciplinary in nature and/or involve multiple agencies or organizations.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the VH-40 (GS-14) grade level.
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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including work performed during graduate assistantships and volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a positive education requirement as part of the Basic Qualification Requirements. You MUST submit copies of your transcript(s) that include: your name, the name of the educational institution, course titles, number of semester/quarter hours, grade(s) earned and degree(s) awarded. Educational institutions must be accredited by one of the accrediting agencies or associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information
- All FCA employees are subject to the conflict of interest laws and Standards of Ethical Conduct imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report.
- FCA's supplemental ethics regulations restrict certain FCA employees concerning their direct or indirect interests in, or connections with, Farm Credit System institutions. These rules also require all employees to obtain approval for outside employment or business activities. Please contact the HR Office for additional information on these rules.
- FCA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
- This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if identical openings in the same series, grade and organizational unit occur.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
FCA offers a more flexible salary and benefits program than most Federal agencies. Many benefits are paid for by the Agency, at no cost to employees, while others are generously subsidized. Check our website for more information!
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs) and other characteristics relevant to the duties of this position:
- Economic Policy, Principles and Practices
- Financial Analysis
- Research
- Quantitative Analysis / Database Management
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
Your resume serves as the basis for the determination of your qualifications and should highlight relevant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this position. Your resume must include the following information:
- Paid and non-paid work experience including your position title, start and end dates (month/year) of employment, average number of hours worked per week and salary;
- Position series and grade for Federal positions;
- Indication of the knowledge, skills and education you have that are pertinent to this position;
- Specific duties you have performed as a regular part of your job with indications of the level of responsibility and complexity of work;
- Names and contact information for your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
You must provide the information specified above in your resume to be considered for this position. Your resume must include enough detail to permit a valid determination that you meet eligibility and specialized experience requirements for each grade for which you are applying. Take a look at this online video for ideas on how to communicate your qualifications.
If review of your resume and your responses to the self-assessment questions demonstrate that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, a score will be manually determined that reflects your documented experience. This may result in a lower score which may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating and Selection procedures. Eligible candidates will be placed in one of three pre-defined quality categories as described below:
Highly-Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must fully demonstrate proficiency in all major aspects of the position.
Well-Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in some but not all of the major aspects of the position.
Qualified Category: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of knowledge, skill and ability of the position.
Under category rating procedures, veterans preference points and the "rule of three" are not applied. Eligible veterans are placed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each pre-defined quality category. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent (i.e., CPS and CP) are listed in the Highly-Qualified category except when the position is being filled is scientific or professional at the VH-35 (GS-09) grade level or higher.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) candidates must be rated "Well Qualified" for the position to receive priority consideration.
Click the following link to preview the applicant questionnaire: Preview Applicant Questionnaire.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
FCA offers a more flexible salary and benefits program than most Federal agencies. Many benefits are paid for by the Agency, at no cost to employees, while others are generously subsidized. Check our website for more information!
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
You must provide a complete Application Package through USAJOBS that includes your resume, responses to the Applicant Questionnaire and supporting documentation:
- All Applicants: You MUST submit a current resume. See the Qualifications and Evaluation section of the announcement for details on the information required. You can use USAJOBS resume builder or upload your own resume. Need help? Get some tips from this online video on Federal resume-writing.
- All Applicants: Transcripts are required to qualify for this position. You MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s) with your applications. See the Education section of the announcement for details on education requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application, but if you are selected, you must provide official, sealed transcripts to the Human Resources Office to verify your education prior to your entry on duty.
- CTAP/ICTAP applicants only: Submit a) A copy of your RIF Separation Notice or Certification of Expected Separation or other documentation indicating that you are a surplus employee; b) Evidence of full performance level of current position; c) A copy of your most recent performance appraisal; and d) A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
- Veterans' Preference eligibles: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release of Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 (Member copy 2 or 4), or other official documentation from a Branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veteran's Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states the date you entered active duty, expected discharge type and date, and campaign medals you have received OR other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.
- 10-point eligible Veterans: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based upon a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 (Member Copy 2 or 4) AND documentation to support your status, e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later, marriage license, death certificate, etc. If you do not submit appropriate or adequate information to confirm your eligibility you will not receive the credit claimed.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Click Apply Online to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
- Follow the prompts to complete the Applicant Questionnaire and upload required documents. For help uploading documents click here.
- Make sure that you click the Submit My Answers button to transmit your application.
- To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
- Your application and supporting documentation must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of the announcement.
If you need technical assistance with your on-line application, you can contact the USAJOBS customer support desk Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. You can also find answers to many of your questions on the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Alternate Application Procedures. If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources Office listed on the announcement between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources Office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Paper applications and documents sent via mail will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Technical Support
- Check the status of the application system and maintenance schedule here: status.fhrnavigator.com
- If you experience technical difficulties applying online, report it here: support@econsys.com. The support inbox is monitored Monday through Friday, from 8 AM ET until 6 PM ET.
- Make sure your status in USAJOBS is 'Received' after you submit your application to ensure it was submitted successfully.
Agency contact information
Tyler Bruce
- Address
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Farm Credit Administration
1501 Farm Credit Drive
McLean, VA 22102
US
Next steps
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process: 1) upon receipt of your application, 2) upon determination of your eligibility or qualifications, 3) after certificate(s) are issued, and 4) after final selection is made. You can check the status of your application at any time by logging into your account on USAJobs and selecting “Application Status.” We recommend that you also opt to receive USAJobs status update emails. Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Required Documents
You must provide a complete Application Package through USAJOBS that includes your resume, responses to the Applicant Questionnaire and supporting documentation:
- All Applicants: You MUST submit a current resume. See the Qualifications and Evaluation section of the announcement for details on the information required. You can use USAJOBS resume builder or upload your own resume. Need help? Get some tips from this online video on Federal resume-writing.
- All Applicants: Transcripts are required to qualify for this position. You MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s) with your applications. See the Education section of the announcement for details on education requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application, but if you are selected, you must provide official, sealed transcripts to the Human Resources Office to verify your education prior to your entry on duty.
- CTAP/ICTAP applicants only: Submit a) A copy of your RIF Separation Notice or Certification of Expected Separation or other documentation indicating that you are a surplus employee; b) Evidence of full performance level of current position; c) A copy of your most recent performance appraisal; and d) A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
- Veterans' Preference eligibles: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release of Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 (Member copy 2 or 4), or other official documentation from a Branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veteran's Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states the date you entered active duty, expected discharge type and date, and campaign medals you have received OR other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.
- 10-point eligible Veterans: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based upon a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 (Member Copy 2 or 4) AND documentation to support your status, e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later, marriage license, death certificate, etc. If you do not submit appropriate or adequate information to confirm your eligibility you will not receive the credit claimed.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
Click Apply Online to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
- Follow the prompts to complete the Applicant Questionnaire and upload required documents. For help uploading documents click here.
- Make sure that you click the Submit My Answers button to transmit your application.
- To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
- Your application and supporting documentation must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of the announcement.
If you need technical assistance with your on-line application, you can contact the USAJOBS customer support desk Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. You can also find answers to many of your questions on the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Alternate Application Procedures. If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources Office listed on the announcement between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources Office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Paper applications and documents sent via mail will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Technical Support
- Check the status of the application system and maintenance schedule here: status.fhrnavigator.com
- If you experience technical difficulties applying online, report it here: support@econsys.com. The support inbox is monitored Monday through Friday, from 8 AM ET until 6 PM ET.
- Make sure your status in USAJOBS is 'Received' after you submit your application to ensure it was submitted successfully.
Agency contact information
Tyler Bruce
- Address
-
Farm Credit Administration
1501 Farm Credit Drive
McLean, VA 22102
US
Next steps
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process: 1) upon receipt of your application, 2) upon determination of your eligibility or qualifications, 3) after certificate(s) are issued, and 4) after final selection is made. You can check the status of your application at any time by logging into your account on USAJobs and selecting “Application Status.” We recommend that you also opt to receive USAJobs status update emails. Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Farm Credit Administration
Agency contact information
Tyler Bruce
- Address
-
Farm Credit Administration
1501 Farm Credit Drive
McLean, VA 22102
US