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County Executive Director Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County Executive Director

Rutland, VT · On-site +1

$61K - $116K/yr

Summary This is a County Executive Director position. Located in Rutland County Farm Service Agency in Rutland, VT. This position is employed by the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee(s)

County Executive Director

Philip, SD · On-site +1

$61K - $116K/yr

Summary This is a County Executive Director position. Located in Haakon County Farm Service Agency in Philip, South Dakota. Open to current permanent FSA CO and GS FSA Federal employees within the ...

This is a County Executive Director position. Located in Haakon County Farm Service Agency in Philip, South Dakota. Open to current permanent FSA CO and GS FSA Federal employees within the state of ...

These are County Executive Director positions located in: * Robertson County Farm Service Agency in Franklin, Texas; * Starr County Farm Service Agency in Rio Grande City, Texas. This position is ...

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County Executive Director Trainee information

What is a county executive director trainee?

A County Executive Director Trainee is an entry-level position within organizations like the USDA Farm Service Agency, designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles managing county operations. Trainees learn about program administration, personnel management, and customer service while supporting local agricultural programs. The training combines on-the-job experience with formal instruction, ensuring trainees are equipped to eventually oversee offices that deliver government services to farmers and the community.

What are the main challenges faced by county executive director trainees during their training period?

County Executive Director Trainees often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to the broad scope of administrative responsibilities, learning complex federal and local program regulations, and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders including farmers, community leaders, and government officials. Trainees must also become proficient in financial management, personnel supervision, and program delivery within a relatively short timeframe. Support is typically provided through mentorship, structured training, and hands-on experience to help overcome these challenges and prepare for advancement to a full County Executive Director role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county executive director trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Executive Director Trainee, you need a solid understanding of public administration, organizational management, and agricultural policies, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with government software systems, budgeting tools, and compliance protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial for effectively managing staff, engaging stakeholders, and navigating complex regulatory environments. These skills and qualities ensure efficient county operations, effective program delivery, and strong community relationships.

What is the difference between County Executive Director Trainee vs County Executive Director?

AspectCounty Executive Director TraineeCounty Executive Director
Required credentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, relevant experience in agriculture or administrationAdvanced experience in management, leadership, and often higher education
Work environmentTraining period, often in an office or field setting, under supervisionLeadership role overseeing county operations, policy implementation
Employer and industry usageUSDA, agricultural agencies, government officesCounty government, USDA agencies, agricultural organizations
Common search intentUnderstanding entry-level or training rolesClarifying leadership responsibilities and career progression

The County Executive Director Trainee position is an entry-level role designed to prepare individuals for leadership as a County Executive Director. It involves training and supervision, whereas the County Executive Director is a full leadership position responsible for managing county operations and programs. The trainee role focuses on gaining experience, while the director role emphasizes leadership and decision-making.

What cities are hiring for County Executive Director Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most County Executive Director Trainee job openings:

What states have the most County Executive Director Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for County Executive Director Trainee jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to County Executive Director Trainee jobs?

For County Executive Director Trainee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

County Executive Director in Training

Centreville, MI • On-site, Remote

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
This is a County Executive Director in Training position, located in the St. Joseph County FSA Office, in Centreville, Michigan.
This is a twelve-month training program that may require travel throughout the state of Michigan. Depending upon agency needs, candidates will be expected to relocate within the state when the training program is complete.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of training.
  • Applicants selected as County Executive Director in Training (CEDTs) must sign an agreement to accept training assignment wherever located within the state.
  • Each CEDT shall satisfactorily complete a minimum 52-week training program.
  • CEDT's who do not satisfactorily complete the required training shall be separated without prejudice.
  • The District Director, State Executive Director, State Committee, State Training Coordinator, State Office Specialist, and previous County Executive Director trainers will evaluate the trainee's performance at the end of the 52-week period.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service Registered or Exempt.
  • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Must be 18 years of age or 17 years of age for high school graduates.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • 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/.
  • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, if required.

Qualifications
Qualifications are in accordance with requirements in Handbook 27-PM.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date in the announcement, including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified below:
You may start at the CO-05 level if you have one of the following qualifications:
  • Successful completion of four years of education above high school, in an accredited business, secretarial, technical, junior college, college or university in any field in which high school graduation or the equivalent is a prerequisite, or bachelor's degree from such an accredited college or university: OR
  • One year of general work experience in support of projects, programs, or assignments providing a essential knowledge of agricultural operations, agricultural management, governmental programs, or related office and customer service functions that indicate the ability to: analyze problems, gather relevant data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; resolve conflict; communicate effectively both orally and in writing: OR
  • Combination of education and experience described above.

You may start at the CO-07 level if you have one of the following qualifications:
  • Successful completion of one full year of graduate education from an accredited college or university. OR
  • Superior Academic Achievement: A bachelor's degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university with either:
    • grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale;
    • 3.5 GPA based on a 4.0 scale for required courses completed in a major field of study during the last two years of undergraduate study;
    • class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision of the college;
    • membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, excluding freshman honor societies.

An applicant must submit an unofficial copy of their transcript at the initial phase of the application process demonstrating that they qualify based on superior academic achievement. If selected for the position, an official transcript must be provided from the college or university before the applicant entering on duty. OR
  • One-year specialized experience equivalent to grade CO-5 or GS-5 level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methods of fact-finding, analysis, and problem-solving techniques as they apply to the analysis, evaluation, and application of agricultural program requirements. In addition, knowledge of and skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to assist in assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural program operations to make recommendations for improvements. OR
  • A combination of education and experience as described above.

At CO-09, applicants must meet one of the following criteria in order to qualify for this position:
  • A Masters or equivalent graduate degree or two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university. OR
  • One year specialized workexperience equivalent to at least grade CO-7 or GS-7 in the federal service. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of agricultural program policies and practices to independently examine applications, supporting documents, and program reports. In addition, experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to assist in assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural program operations to make recommendations for improvements. OR
  • One year of any supervisory experience. OR
  • A combination of education and experience as described above.

Education
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit with your application package evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution was appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. Education standards. You may submit an unofficial copy of the 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 the transcript. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
  • Veterans preference does not apply since this position is being advertised under Title 7 authorities.
  • Relocation expenses are not authorized.
  • When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
  • This is a Title 7, Non-Federal, Non-Civil Service position.
  • This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
  • Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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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.
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.