ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Agricultural Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Son

Agriculture Program Specialist

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$24.19/hr

JR2026-00028726 Agriculture Program Specialist (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no ... Nebraska's agricultural and food businesses. Look at what we have to offer! 13 paid holidays ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$54K - $78K/yr

The Education Program Specialist will be an integral team member of the NMEP to support ... The successful applicant must have strong agricultural and conservation foundations. The position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAgriculture JobsFarm JobsPrecision Agriculture Specialist JobsAgricultural Program Specialist Jobs

Agricultural Program Specialist information

See salary details

$27K

$68K

$121.5K

How much do agricultural program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for agricultural program specialist in the United States is $68,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an agricultural program specialist?

Agricultural Program Specialists are professionals who develop, implement, and manage agricultural programs and policies, often within government agencies or agricultural organizations. They work to support farmers, ensure compliance with regulations, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Their duties may include coordinating outreach initiatives, analyzing data, and providing technical assistance to stakeholders. These specialists often serve as a liaison between farmers, government entities, and the public to improve agricultural productivity and resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an agricultural program specialist?

To thrive as an Agricultural Program Specialist, you need a background in agricultural science, program management, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with government agricultural policies, grant management systems, and data collection or GIS tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills help in collaborating with stakeholders and effectively delivering program objectives. These skills are essential to ensure successful implementation and evaluation of agricultural programs that support producers and communities.

What are some common challenges agricultural program specialists face when implementing new agricultural initiatives?

Agricultural Program Specialists often encounter challenges such as coordinating between diverse stakeholders, navigating regulatory requirements, and ensuring that new programs are accessible and effective for local producers. They may also need to address resource limitations and adapt initiatives to suit varying environmental and economic conditions in different regions. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and adaptability are key to overcoming these hurdles and driving successful program outcomes.

What is the difference between Agricultural Program Specialist vs Agricultural Extension Agent?

AspectAgricultural Program SpecialistAgricultural Extension Agent
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, or related field; often involved in community education
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, research institutionsCounty or state extension offices, community outreach programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government and research sectors to develop and manage programsCommonly employed by Cooperative Extension Services to educate farmers and the public
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles focus on agriculture, Agricultural Program Specialists develop and oversee programs within organizations, whereas Agricultural Extension Agents primarily educate and assist farmers and communities directly. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments, but their core functions differ in program management versus community outreach.

More about Agricultural Program Specialist jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Agricultural Program Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Agricultural Program Specialist jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Agricultural Program Specialist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Agricultural Program Specialist jobs are:

Agricultural Program Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Agricultural Program Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,012 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Agricultural Program Specialist

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 854 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is located in the Farm Service Agency, New Mexico State Office, Bernalillo County, Albuquerque, NM.
The selectee plans, administers and reviews all aspects of the farm program activities.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Basic Requirement: GS-1145 Series:
Education: Undergraduate Education: Major study -- economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, animal or poultry science/husbandry, agronomy, soil science, or related curricula dealing with the production and distribution of farm products.

Graduate Education: Major study -- dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas. OR
Experience:

Experience that demonstrated:

  • Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and conservation programs and of the particular application of national policies and objectives at the State level;

  • Understanding of farming practices and customs in the United States, and of the economic needs of farm communities at the State level;

  • Knowledge of current State and Federal agricultural trends; and

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with representatives of public and private organizations, farmers' associations, and others, and to interpret regulations, programs, and policies affecting them.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement For the GS-09 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Reviewing and/or commenting on national FSA program policy;
  • Interpreting and applying regulations to resolve program administration issues or problems;
  • Explaining program requirements and provisions. conducting reviews, and recommending solutions. OR
Education at the GS-09 grade level: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, animal or poultry science/husbandry, agronomy, soil science; dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas. OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience as listed above.
For the GS-11 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Assisting in the planning of agricultural and FSA programs;
  • Directing and/or coordinating agricultural programs on a statewide basis through county committees and county offices;
  • Working with representatives of public organizations, farmers' associations, and others, to interpret agricultural regulations, programs, and policies affecting them. OR
Education at the GS-11 grade level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Economics, agricultural economics, marketing, business administration, animal or poultry science/husbandry, agronomy, soil science; dairy science, agricultural marketing, domestic agricultural development, farm management, agronomy, or other agricultural specialty areas. OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience as listed above.
For the GS-12 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Experience in applying laws and regulations governing agricultural stabilization and FSA programs to serve as an advisor on the application of national policies and objectives at the State level;
  • Understanding of farming practices and customs in the United States, and of the economic needs of farm communities at the State level;
  • Experience maintaining relationships with representatives of public organizations, farmers' associations, and others, to interpret agricultural regulations, programs, and policies affecting them.
Education cannot be substituted for experience at the GS-12 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.
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:College Transcript: If qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript with course number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g., special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college to ensure proper evaluation.
Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Department Of Agriculture employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply