USDA Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee 2026: Apply for a Global Foreign Service Career in Agricultural Trade and Food Security

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer (Trainee) position. This opportunity offers an exceptional pathway for professionals interested in agricultural trade, international development, food security, public policy, economics, global markets, and international relations to build a long-term career in the United States Foreign Service.

The Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee program is designed to recruit and develop future Foreign Service Officers who will represent the interests of the United States in agricultural and trade-related matters around the world. Successful candidates will initially work and undergo comprehensive professional training in Washington, D.C., before potentially transitioning into overseas assignments as commissioned members of the Foreign Service.

This is a highly competitive federal employment opportunity for individuals with strong analytical, communication, leadership, research, and interpersonal skills. The position provides an opportunity to work on complex international issues involving agricultural markets, trade policies, food security, market access, export promotion, and global agricultural development.

Applications are currently being accepted through USAJOBS.

About the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture responsible for advancing U.S. agricultural interests internationally. The agency works across global markets to promote agricultural exports, support international trade, analyze agricultural markets, address trade barriers, and contribute to food security initiatives.

Foreign Agricultural Service professionals work closely with governments, agricultural industries, international organizations, businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders to understand developments affecting global agricultural trade.

The Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer career is particularly significant because officers may serve as representatives of the United States government in overseas diplomatic environments while addressing agricultural, economic, trade, and food security issues.

Through this trainee program, selected candidates receive structured professional development designed to prepare them for the responsibilities of a Foreign Service career.

Overview of the Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee Position

The Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee position is a full-time federal employment opportunity based initially in Washington, D.C.

Successful candidates will enter the Foreign Agricultural Service training program and work as civil service employees while developing the professional knowledge, competencies, and experience required for eventual Foreign Service assignments.

Foreign Service Trainees typically work and train in Washington, D.C. for approximately 18 to 36 months. Upon successful completion of the required training and demonstration of the necessary competencies, trainees may be converted into Foreign Service Officers and assigned to overseas posts.

The career can offer a long-term professional pathway with increasing levels of responsibility and advancement. According to the vacancy announcement, Foreign Service careers may span an average of approximately 25 years.

Key Opportunity Details

• Position: Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer (Trainee)
• Agency: United States Department of Agriculture
• Department: Foreign Agricultural Service
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Appointment Type: Term appointment
• Initial Appointment: Not to exceed 18 months
• Possible Extension: Trainee appointments may be extended up to four years
• Pay Scale: GS-09 to GS-12
• Salary Range: $70,623 to $133,142 per year
• Promotion Potential: GS-12
• Telework: Eligible, depending on agency policy
• Remote Position: No
• Travel Requirement: 76% or greater
• Security Clearance: Top Secret
• Drug Testing: Required
• Announcement Number: DE-13038851-26-FAS-IS
• Application Period: August 24, 2026 to October 7, 2026

What Is the Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee Program?

The Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee program serves as an entry and development pathway into the Foreign Agricultural Service and ultimately the United States Foreign Service.

Trainees are expected to participate in comprehensive training while stationed in Washington, D.C. The training process is intended to develop the professional, analytical, communication, leadership, and international engagement skills required for future assignments.

The program is particularly suited to professionals interested in the intersection of agriculture and international affairs.

Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers may work on issues involving:

• International agricultural trade
• Agricultural economics
• Food security
• Market intelligence
• Export promotion
• Trade policy
• Agricultural development
• Market access
• International relations
• Government policy analysis
• Agricultural supply and demand
• Commodity markets
• Technical trade barriers
• Sanitary and phytosanitary issues
• Agricultural diplomacy

The position provides exposure to both domestic policymaking and international engagement.

Main Responsibilities of Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers

The duties described in the announcement represent the responsibilities expected at the full-performance level. Trainees at developmental grades may initially perform assignments with a narrower scope and receive closer supervision.

As officers progress professionally, they may be expected to take on increasingly complex responsibilities.

1. Conducting Agricultural Market Analysis

One of the central responsibilities involves analyzing global agricultural markets.

Officers may collect, assess, and interpret information related to:

• Agricultural production
• Commodity consumption
• International trade
• Market prices
• Agricultural stocks
• Supply and demand trends
• Consumer behavior
• Commercial developments

This analysis helps provide policymakers and stakeholders with reliable information that can support strategic decision-making.

Officers may also contribute to the development of global agricultural commodity analysis strategies.

2. Supporting International Agricultural Trade

Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers play an important role in supporting agricultural trade and market development.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Administering market development programs
• Supporting credit guarantee programs
• Developing agricultural trade missions
• Organizing or supporting trade shows
• Building relationships with agricultural industry groups
• Supporting export promotion initiatives

These activities contribute to efforts aimed at expanding market opportunities and strengthening agricultural trade relationships.

3. Analyzing Government Policies and Regulations

Agricultural trade is heavily influenced by government policies, regulations, and international agreements.

Officers may analyze policies and regulations that affect:

• Agricultural exports
• Market access
• Food security
• Commodity trade
• Agricultural production
• International commerce

The insights generated through this work can help policymakers understand the potential effects of policy developments and identify opportunities or challenges affecting agricultural trade.

4. Addressing Agricultural Trade Barriers

Another important responsibility involves identifying and monitoring barriers affecting agricultural trade.

These barriers may include:

• Tariffs
• Non-tariff barriers
• Technical barriers
• Sanitary requirements
• Phytosanitary requirements
• Regulatory restrictions

Officers may contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating or removing barriers that limit market access.

This requires an understanding of international trade systems, agricultural regulations, policy frameworks, and market conditions.

5. Preparing Reports and Briefing Materials

Strong written communication skills are essential for this position.

Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers may prepare a wide range of professional documents, including:

• Policy briefings
• Market profiles
• Analytical reports
• Background documents
• Correspondence
• Trade-related materials
• Research summaries

These documents may be used by government officials, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and other decision-makers.

6. Supporting Food Security Initiatives

The position also involves contributing to programs and strategies related to food security.

Officers may monitor USDA food assistance programs and contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives that support broader agricultural development and food security objectives.

This aspect of the role provides opportunities to work on issues that connect agricultural development with international economic and humanitarian priorities.

7. Developing Long-Term Trade Strategies

Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers may contribute to long-term strategic planning.

This can involve analyzing emerging trends and developing strategies that respond to changes in:

• International trade policies
• Consumer markets
• Agricultural production
• Commodity demand
• Government regulations
• Global economic conditions

The ability to translate complex research and data into practical recommendations is therefore important for this career.

Training and Career Development

Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive training while stationed in Washington, D.C.

The training program is designed to prepare trainees for the professional expectations of the Foreign Service.

Trainees will work under the guidance of supervisors while completing the required components of the training program.

Those who successfully complete the training and demonstrate the required competencies may be converted into Foreign Service Officers.

A career in the Foreign Service can involve increasing levels of responsibility and opportunities to serve in different parts of the world.

However, applicants should understand that this is a career with significant mobility requirements.

Foreign Service Officers are expected to serve abroad for substantial portions of their careers.

Worldwide Service Commitment

Applicants should carefully consider the international mobility requirements associated with a Foreign Service career.

Employees are required to sign a worldwide service agreement.

Foreign Service Officers may be assigned to locations around the world, including countries where living and working conditions may be challenging.

The announcement specifically notes that officers may be expected to serve at overseas locations even when family members cannot accompany them due to political instability or other conditions.

Foreign Service members are also generally expected to spend substantial portions of their careers serving abroad.

This makes the opportunity particularly suitable for professionals who are adaptable, internationally minded, culturally aware, and willing to relocate throughout their careers.

Salary and Pay Scale

The position is available across multiple federal grade levels.

The announced salary range is:

$70,623 to $133,142 per year

The position falls within the GS-09 through GS-12 pay scale.

The final salary determination will depend on factors including:

• Grade level
• Qualifications
• Experience
• Duty location
• Applicable locality pay

According to the announcement, first-time federal employees generally begin at the lowest rate within the applicable salary range.

The position also has promotion potential up to GS-12.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet important citizenship, employment, security, and professional requirements.

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be:

• U.S. Citizens, or
• U.S. Nationals

The vacancy announcement specifically identifies U.S. citizens as eligible applicants.

International applicants who do not meet the citizenship or nationality requirements are not eligible for this position.

Selective Service Requirement

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System or qualify for an exemption.

Security Clearance Requirement

Selected candidates must successfully complete the required background investigation and be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

This is a significant requirement because the position may involve access to sensitive national security information.

Applicants should therefore be prepared for extensive background screening.

Drug Testing Requirement

The position is designated for drug testing.

Selected candidates must complete a urinalysis before appointment to screen for illegal drug use and may also be subject to random testing after appointment.

Employment is conditional upon satisfactory results.

Medical Requirements

Selected candidates may be required to complete a pre-employment medical statement and/or examination.

Financial Disclosure

Employees will be required to submit financial disclosure reports in accordance with applicable ethics regulations.

The initial report must generally be submitted within the required period following appointment, with annual reporting obligations thereafter.

One-Year Trial Period

Successful candidates will be required to complete a one-year trial or probationary period.

During this period, the agency will evaluate the employee’s performance, conduct, suitability, and continued fitness for federal service.

Educational and Professional Qualification Requirements

The Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee position is available at multiple grade levels.

Applicants may qualify based on:

• Specialized professional experience
• Relevant graduate education
• A combination of education and experience, where permitted

The requirements differ depending on whether an applicant is seeking consideration at the GS-09, GS-11, or GS-12 level.

GS-09 Qualification Requirements

To qualify at the GS-09 level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

1. At least one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
2. A qualifying master’s degree or equivalent graduate education.
3. A qualifying combination of specialized experience and education.

GS-09 Specialized Experience

Applicants qualifying based on experience must demonstrate professional experience involving at least one of the following areas:

• Assisting with the evaluation of government regulatory policies or economic data related to trade or food security.
• Assisting with qualitative or quantitative analysis of markets and commercial trends.
• Assessing agricultural conditions.
• Analyzing production, supply, and demand.
• Assisting with export promotion campaigns.
• Supporting food and agricultural development initiatives.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate relevant experience in their resumes.

Failure to provide sufficient evidence of qualifying experience may result in an ineligible rating.

GS-09 Education Requirement

Applicants may qualify through education if they have completed:

• A master’s degree or equivalent, or
• Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading toward a qualifying degree.

Relevant academic fields may include:

• Economics
• Business
• Food sciences
• Agricultural sciences
• Development studies
• Public policy
• International relations
• Communications
• Law
• Other closely related disciplines

Applicants qualifying through education must submit college transcripts.

GS-11 Qualification Requirements

Applicants seeking qualification at the GS-11 level must meet one of the following:

1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
2. Qualifying graduate education.
3. A combination of qualifying education and experience.

GS-11 Specialized Experience

Applicants qualifying through experience must demonstrate professional work involving at least two relevant areas, such as:

• Conducting qualitative or quantitative analysis of government policies related to trade or food security.
• Synthesizing research findings into professional reports.
• Conducting independent market research.
• Identifying changes in consumer behavior.
• Analyzing emerging market trends.
• Developing strategic recommendations.
• Assessing agricultural conditions.
• Conducting supply and demand analysis.
• Producing analytical reports for decision-makers.
• Planning and implementing export promotion campaigns.
• Supporting food and agricultural development initiatives.

The position therefore requires progressively higher levels of independence and professional responsibility at the GS-11 level.

GS-11 Education Requirement

Applicants may qualify based on advanced graduate education.

This generally includes at least three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading toward a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral-level qualification.

Relevant fields include:

• Economics
• Business
• Agricultural sciences
• Food sciences
• Development
• Public policy
• International relations
• Communications
• Law
• Other directly related disciplines

Applicants using education to qualify must submit transcripts.

GS-12 Qualification Requirements

The GS-12 level requires substantial specialized professional experience.

Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.

Unlike the GS-09 and GS-11 levels, there is no education substitution for experience at the GS-12 level.

Applicants must demonstrate experience involving advanced professional work across the relevant areas identified in the announcement.

Examples include:

• Leading complex policy analysis related to trade and food security.
• Conducting advanced qualitative and quantitative research.
• Leading analysis of consumer trends and market demand.
• Developing strategic recommendations.
• Communicating analytical findings through reports and briefings.
• Applying advanced forecasting techniques.
• Developing predictive models.
• Conducting sophisticated agricultural market analysis.
• Analyzing production, supply, and demand.
• Leading export promotion campaigns.
• Managing food and agricultural development initiatives.

The GS-12 level is therefore intended for applicants with substantial professional expertise and demonstrated leadership experience.

Foreign Education Requirements

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States may potentially use their academic credentials to meet qualification requirements.

However, foreign education must be evaluated and determined to be comparable to education obtained from an accredited institution in the United States.

Applicants using foreign academic qualifications should provide appropriate credential evaluation documentation.

Additionally:

• Transcripts must be submitted where education is used for qualification.
• Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.
• The education must meet U.S. accreditation equivalency requirements.

Skills and Competencies Required

Applicants will be evaluated based on their qualifications and demonstrated competencies.

Key competencies include:

Oral Communication

Successful candidates must be able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively in professional settings.

This is particularly important for officers who may interact with government officials, industry representatives, international stakeholders, and colleagues.

Written Communication

The ability to prepare clear, analytical, and professional written materials is essential.

Applicants should be capable of communicating complex information through reports, briefings, correspondence, and other professional documents.

Problem Solving

Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officers may encounter complex policy, market, and trade challenges.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to analyze problems and contribute to practical solutions.

Interpersonal Skills

The position requires effective interaction with diverse stakeholders.

Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills are important.

Customer Service

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to understand stakeholder needs and provide effective professional support.

Teamwork

The Foreign Agricultural Service works across multiple programs and agencies.

Successful candidates must be able to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners.

Leadership

As officers progress in their careers, they may assume greater responsibility for strategic initiatives and international programs.

Leadership potential is therefore an important competency.

The Assessment and Selection Process

The selection process is competitive and involves multiple stages.

Applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements will be evaluated according to federal hiring procedures and USDA policies.

Candidates may be placed into one of three categories:

• Best Qualified
• Well Qualified
• Qualified

Veterans who qualify for veterans’ preference may receive selection priority within applicable categories.

Stage One: Application Review

Applications will initially be reviewed to determine whether candidates meet the required eligibility and qualification standards.

Applicants should ensure that their resumes clearly document relevant experience.

A resume that does not provide sufficient evidence of qualifying experience may result in disqualification.

Stage Two: Written Examination

Applicants in the best qualified category may be invited to complete a Written Exam.

The examination will be reviewed and evaluated by subject matter experts.

Candidates must demonstrate competencies relevant to Foreign Service work.

Applicants who do not successfully pass the Written Exam will not proceed to the next stage of the assessment process.

Stage Three: Oral Assessment Forum

Candidates who successfully pass the Written Exam may be invited to participate in a one-day, in-person Applicant Oral Assessment Forum.

The oral assessment may include:

• Role-play exercises
• Group exercises
• Oral interview questions

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a range of professional competencies.

These include:

• Written communication
• Oral communication
• Analytical ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership
• Cultural adaptability
• Client service skills

Candidates invited to the oral assessment will reportedly receive approximately three weeks’ notice to make necessary travel arrangements.

Applicants must successfully pass each component of the assessment process to remain eligible for selection.

Future Selection Consideration

The announcement notes that applicants who successfully pass the Assessment Center but are not selected during the current selection cycle may remain under consideration for future selections for up to two years without being required to submit a completely new application.

This provision may provide additional value for candidates who successfully complete the assessment stages.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit all required documentation before the closing deadline.

Failure to submit complete and legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

1. Resume

Applicants must submit a professional resume documenting relevant qualifications.

The resume should include:

• Personal information
• Contact information
• Educational background
• Relevant work experience
• Job titles
• Dates of employment
• Hours worked per week
• Relevant duties
• Professional qualifications

A particularly important requirement is that the resume must not exceed two pages.

Applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages may be removed from consideration.

Candidates should therefore carefully tailor their resumes to emphasize experience that directly matches the vacancy requirements.

2. Academic Transcripts

Transcripts are required if:

• Education is being used to qualify.
• A combination of education and experience is being used.
• The announcement requires academic documentation.

Unofficial transcripts may generally be submitted during the application stage if they contain the necessary information.

However, selected candidates may be required to provide official transcripts before entering duty.

3. Foreign Education Evaluation Documentation

Applicants using qualifications obtained outside the United States may need to provide evidence that their education has been evaluated and determined equivalent to qualifying U.S. education.

4. Veterans’ Preference Documentation

Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must provide the required supporting documentation.

This may include:

• DD214 documentation
• Certification of military service
• SF-15 and supporting evidence for applicable 10-point preference claims

Applicants who do not provide sufficient documentation may not receive veterans’ preference.

5. Additional Documents

Certain applicants, including those eligible under federal career transition or priority placement programs, may need to submit additional documentation demonstrating eligibility.

How to Apply for the USDA Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee Position

Applicants should carefully review the entire vacancy announcement before beginning the application process.

The application must be completed electronically before the closing deadline.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS Account

Candidates should create an account on the USAJOBS platform if they do not already have one.

Applicants are encouraged to activate email notifications to receive updates regarding the status of their application.

Step 2: Prepare a Tailored Two-Page Resume

Applicants should create or upload a resume that directly demonstrates how their education and experience meet the qualification requirements.

Because the position uses specialized experience criteria, applicants should clearly highlight relevant accomplishments involving:

• Trade analysis
• Agricultural research
• Food security
• Market analysis
• Economic analysis
• Government policy
• Export promotion
• Agricultural development
• International relations
• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research

Applicants must ensure that their resume does not exceed two pages.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Candidates should select the Apply Online option and complete the required Occupational Questionnaire.

Applicants should ensure that all answers provided in the questionnaire are supported by information contained in their resume and supporting documents.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Candidates should upload all required documents, including transcripts and other evidence where applicable.

Documents transferred through the USAJOBS system must comply with the platform’s requirements.

The announcement notes that documents should generally:

• Be less than 5MB.
• Use accepted file formats.
• Be legible.
• Not be encrypted.

Accepted formats include:

• GIF
• JPG
• JPEG
• PNG
• RTF
• PDF
• TXT
• DOC
• DOCX

Applicants should not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they may not be viewable by the agency.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Before submitting, applicants should carefully confirm that:

• Their resume is no longer than two pages.
• Their qualifications are clearly demonstrated.
• Required transcripts are included where necessary.
• All required supporting documents have been uploaded.
• Their questionnaire responses are accurate.
• Their application has successfully transferred through the USAJOBS system.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours before the deadline in case of technical difficulties.

Important Career Considerations Before Applying

This opportunity offers a unique professional pathway, but applicants should understand the significant commitments associated with a Foreign Service career.

International Mobility

Successful candidates must be prepared to serve at locations worldwide.

Assignments may involve relocation to different countries throughout a career.

Extensive Travel

The position indicates a travel requirement of 76% or greater.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable with substantial domestic and international travel.

Security Requirements

Candidates must be capable of obtaining a Top Secret security clearance.

Office-Based Work

Although telework may be available depending on agency policy, the position is not fully remote.

Employees are expected to physically report to their assigned duty location.

Relocation Expenses

The announcement states that travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty will not be reimbursed.

Applicants should consider the financial implications of relocating to Washington, D.C. if selected.

Why This Opportunity Is Significant

The Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee position offers a distinctive career pathway for professionals interested in combining international affairs with agriculture, economics, development, and public policy.

Few career opportunities provide the possibility of working simultaneously on issues such as:

• International diplomacy
• Agricultural markets
• Global food systems
• Trade policy
• Economic development
• Market intelligence
• Food security
• Government relations

The position can also provide extensive professional development through structured training and practical work experience.

For qualified candidates, successful completion of the trainee program may lead to conversion into a Foreign Service Officer position and the opportunity to represent U.S. agricultural interests internationally.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for qualified professionals with backgrounds in:

• Agricultural economics
• Economics
• International development
• International relations
• Public policy
• Food security
• Agricultural sciences
• Business
• Trade and commerce
• Communications
• Law
• Market research
• Quantitative analysis
• Government policy analysis

Strong candidates are likely to combine subject-matter expertise with excellent communication, analytical, research, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.

The position may be especially appealing to individuals seeking a long-term international career that combines policy analysis, research, diplomacy, and global engagement.

APPLY HERE

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Because this is a competitive federal employment opportunity, applicants should carefully align their application materials with the published requirements.

1. Tailor Your Resume

Do not submit a generic resume.

Clearly demonstrate relevant experience using terminology and examples connected to:

• Trade
• Food security
• Agricultural markets
• Policy analysis
• Quantitative analysis
• Market research
• Supply and demand
• Export promotion
• Agricultural development

2. Respect the Two-Page Resume Limit

This requirement is critical.

Applicants submitting resumes exceeding two pages may be removed from consideration.

Focus on the most relevant accomplishments and experiences.

3. Use Measurable Achievements

Where possible, demonstrate impact through specific examples.

For instance, describe:

• Research projects completed
• Markets analyzed
• Policies evaluated
• Programs supported
• Campaigns implemented
• Reports produced
• Stakeholders engaged

4. Prepare for Multiple Assessments

The selection process may include:

• Application screening
• Qualification review
• Written examination
• Oral assessment exercises
• Interviews

Candidates should prepare for both written and interpersonal assessments.

5. Demonstrate Cultural Adaptability

Foreign Service work requires the ability to operate effectively across different cultural, political, and professional environments.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate adaptability and international awareness.

6. Monitor Your Email Carefully

Candidates are responsible for monitoring communications regarding assessment stages and responding within the specified deadlines.

Missing an assessment deadline could affect eligibility.

Application Deadline

Deadline: October 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Applicants must complete and submit the required application and supporting documents before the deadline.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the final day.

How to Access the Application

Interested and eligible applicants should submit their applications through the official USAJOBS application system.

Applicants should review the complete vacancy announcement and carefully follow all instructions before submitting their application.

Visit HERE to learn more about the USDA Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee 2026.

 

Conclusion

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer Trainee opportunity represents a significant career pathway for qualified professionals seeking to work at the intersection of agriculture, international trade, economic policy, food security, and diplomacy.

Through the Foreign Agricultural Service, successful candidates can receive comprehensive training, develop specialized expertise, and potentially transition into a long-term Foreign Service career with assignments around the world.

The role requires strong analytical ability, excellent written and oral communication skills, leadership potential, cultural adaptability, and a willingness to serve internationally. Candidates must also meet strict citizenship, security clearance, educational, and professional requirements.

With positions available across the GS-09 to GS-12 levels and a salary range of $70,623 to $133,142 per year, the program offers a structured professional development pathway for individuals with relevant graduate education or specialized experience.

Eligible applicants interested in agricultural trade, global markets, public policy, international development, and food security should carefully review the qualification requirements and prepare a targeted application before the October 7, 2026 deadline.

Given the strict two-page resume requirement and multi-stage assessment process, prospective applicants should begin preparing their application materials early and ensure that their experience clearly demonstrates the competencies required for a successful Foreign Agricultural Service career.

For more global Job opportunity visit OFY HERE