program technician

loan specialist

researcher

biological technician

program analyst

US Department of Agriculture

Serve as an administrative executive assistant for the Division Chief of Executive Protection Operations Division (EPOD) Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination (OHSEC) and the Office of the Director (OD). Maintains close professional contact with Department Director, Division Chief and supporting staff members within and outside the immediate organizational unit, including the Presidential Cabinet Executive, Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary Tom Vilsack) I serve as a first-line point of contact to resolve all administrative issues and problems, etc. I am also responsible for coordinating administrative duties for the subsections in an effort to guarantee the primary goal of optimally delivering high quality customer serves to but not limited to other agencies, and public staff members. (OHSEC, White House, U.S. Marshals, Capital Police, and Office of the Secretary)

Assist in the preparation of Executive Protection Operations Division plan based on Departmental Management guidance and assists in the review of Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination plans. Serve as a member of EPOD protection detail support staff in the event of a federal agent deployment in the Washington DC area. Provide as liaison to clerical staff that has been deployed, and manages a log of all emergency activities, and actions. Performs typing and office automation work at or above the established minimum proficiency level. Performs typing work, whether from voice recordings or written material; edits letters, composes letters and reports, reviews correspondence for accuracy and completeness, prepares presentation outlines, and develops standard or form letters and replies to inquiries. Screens service division chief's visitors and calls answer questions, and complete business involving established policy on routing matters. Places local and long distance calls for the service departmental chief. Performs specialized budget support duties, and serves as liaison to Office of Director. (OD) Compile annual budget estimates and justifications for submission to management for approval.

Schedules and coordinates appointments for the various Division Chief’s only meeting, staff and Law Enforcement required training activities of EPOD, and OHSEC. Acts as a first-line contact for the Secretary of Agriculture (SECAG) and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture (DSECAG) protection detail Federal Agents inquiries and concerns. Inform the chief of any conflicts and issues and attempts to resolve all issues at the lowest level by referring customers to the appropriate office staff as appropriate. Works with other agencies Federal Law Enforcement Agents and other personnel in the cabinet level protection area staffed by the USDA to ensure that the Division Chief has the necessary supplies, personnel etc. to provide the highest quality of protection services. Serve as Accountable Officer over departmental property (Weapon’s Credentials and IT Equipment). Conduct semi-monthly and bi-annually physical and sensitive inventory inspections and maintain its reports. Monitor expenditures against approved budget and provide regular status reports to EPOD leadership. Serve as office procurement support personnel to procure supplies and materials. Develop and maintain purchasing and spending detail reports. Serve as liaison with the procurement officials. Maintain and track all procurement actions and keep supervisor informed of potential funding issues. US Bank Government Services purchase card holder with a budget of 25,000.00 for my department. Prepare purchase orders, requisitions and conduct a monthly reconciliation of all records.
Serve as primary time and attendance representative for (18) eighteen OHSEC personnel. Prepare and coordinate travel authorizations and voucher arrangements in the GovTrip system for USDA Secretary Security Detail. Operate office machines with copy, scan, and fax options. Refer questions and issues that cannot be resolved within my authority to the appropriate persons based on the type of inquiry. Draft non- technical law enforcement correspondence and reports from oral instructions, information obtained from files, and data obtained from staff members. Manage correspondence services and establish and maintain the action tracking system to ensure that assignments have been completed timely. Maintain files, both hard and soft copy, in accordance with USDA standards and directives. Manage office operations for an organization with a mission that affects a wide range of agency activities.

A typical day at work includes signing in at 7AM and being apart of the morning meeting to go over what the goals of the day are and how the work will be divided up. The meetings also include team building exercise's and daily updates on the forest fires that have been breaking out throughout the nation. This continues for about 30 minutes and then everyone disperses to their various departments. 

The work is always interesting and rewarding because we are always striving to provide high quality equipment to the Wildland firefighters who are fighting the forest fires around the nation. This means that all of the products and equipment being distributed to various fires must be of excellent quality and contain everything the firefighter will need to perform his/her duty properly. One task includes testing and washing fire hoses, drying them, rolling them up and carefully stacking them on a pallet to be deployed to a fire if needed. Another department works with all of the items that get returned from a fire such as tents, cots, axes, shovels, helicopter kits, medical kits, sleeping bags, nozzles, pumps, generators, etc. These items get sorted through and cleaned or refurbished to be used again and it gets written down on a return report from the fire it gets returned from. Another section deals solely with kits that need to be built such as coffee kits, road-sign kits, medical kits, sprinkler kits, helicopter kits, chainsaw kits, etc.

An online inventory system called ICBS is used to track all of the inventory the Fire Cache sends out to fires and everything that is currently on the warehouse shelves. 

I learned a lot of what happens behind the scenes whenever a fire breaks out in the Rocky Mountain Region and how much quality work is being put in to make the equipment arrive to that fire as quickly as possible to support the Wildland Firefighters. 

Management is awesome - hands down some of the best individuals I have had the opportunity to work for. They really care about the employees and will put a bright individual in a place of leadership if they see potential in you just to give you the experience and opportunity. They will have constructive criticism for you if mistakes are made and it is a great learning experience. They are always encouraging employees to apply for new positions that open up that can potentially allow them to advance their career. 

I would say the hardest part of the job is doing things that may seem redundant for the day but overall it makes a big difference. In other words, this job is not hard at all, it is a very needed and rewarding job that helps support our Wildland firefighters. 

The most enjoyable part of the job is the individuals I work with, they all have friendly and unique personalities that bring something different and genuine to the table.

Assist Civil Engineer and Soil Conservationist with site surveys, drawing maps, ArcView maps, and small design drawings. Responsibilities consist of research on areas of work, assist in surveying of concerned areas, assist in the development of conservation practices on highly erodible land in areas not used for farming and with the use of ArcView on the computer I draw maps for planned conservation practices. The contract work that I dealt with now is primary on the Fort Benning Military Reservation in Chattahoochee and Muscogee Counties of Georgia. I am responsible for coordination of NRCS activities with contractors and military personnel being conducted on Fort Benning. Data entry on computer would include work on the UNIX system, MS Word, FOCS, and progress in PRMS for planning and executing landowner plans for erosion control practices. Experienced with Windows, Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), ArcView, Netscape and Internet Explorer. Computer resources have enabled me to produce farm plans, graphic designed brochures, workbook spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. Linking photos, maps, job sheets and contract information using FOCS ( a form of Access) to design and complete Farm Plans to present the landowner with a portfolio of their farm and a baseline for them to work from. As a CCE Administrator, from 1999 to 2006, working on all computers in Buena Vista FO. Work consists of software installation, memory upgrades, and troubleshooting problems. Assisting Computer Specialist to solve minor problems. Responsible for backing up computers and verifying information, setting up new users, and minor maintenance on printers, computers, and any other office equipment. I enjoyed the company of my co-workers while in the office but for the most part, I worked in the field with contractors and engineers. The hardest part of my job was the initial field investigations due to terrain and weather conditions. The most enjoyable part was of seeing a site restored it to nature and watching it grow in the years that following the contract completion.

Over 7+ years’ experiencein web application security end-to-end as per SSDLC phases including Security Source Code Review, Secure Design Review, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Threat Modeling and its Attack vectors for further analysis in Security Design Review.

•	Good in finding Vulnerabilities in Source Code Review & Exploiting threats in Design Reviews.
•	Good in Myappsecurity Threat Modeler and MS SDL tool for SSDLC threat modeling.
•	Hands on Experience in conducting Penetration testing with various security tools.
•	Conduct Penetration Testing against different technological domains including, but not limited to, web applications, windows applications, web services, databases, flash applications and wireless network environments.
•	Strong in different security testing Methodologies in both automation & manual.
•	Worked with OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, Cross Site Scripting (XSS), CSRF, Session Fixation, Session Hijack etc.
•	Experienced with Code review tools like HP Fortify, Checkmarx, IBM Appscan, Veracode and also different Hacking Tools like Cenzic Hailstorm, HP WebInspect, IBMAppscan, Paros, Burp Suite and Various Proxy tools.
•	Having good experience in Mobile Security Testing methodologies and good experience on iOS, Android and Blackberry Applications Mobile Static Security Analysis.
•	Having good experience in Web Services Testing using with SOAPUI tool for Security issues and also have good knowledge on RESTful Services and AWS Amazon Web Services.
•	Strong knowledge of writing SQL Queries, Stored Procedures, Functions, Packages and Triggers in SQL Server.
•	Worked on Different Operating Systems LINUX and Windows NT/98/2000/XP/2008 R2 Server.
•	Prior to Web Application Security, I have good experience in .NET Development, Java Programming and PHP scripting.
•	Good Insight into the Certification and Accreditation process for applications.
•	Good knowledge of NIST, FIPS-199 and OMB standards
•	Self-starter with very good logical skills suitable for process design, data modeling and development

My time supporting the USDA throughout multiple federal contracting roles was a highly valuable and career-defining experience that allowed me to significantly strengthen my expertise in enterprise IT support, cybersecurity operations, and large-scale government infrastructure protection.

Over the course of more than eight years, I had the opportunity to support critical USDA mission areas through progressively advanced technical and security-focused roles. This experience provided extensive hands-on exposure to enterprise environments where security, compliance, uptime, and operational excellence were essential. Working across multiple contracts allowed me to develop a broad understanding of federal IT operations, risk management, vulnerability mitigation, and user support within highly regulated environments.

During my tenure, I was deeply involved in supporting network security initiatives, vulnerability management, SIEM monitoring, incident response, system upgrades, and large-scale infrastructure support. I worked extensively with technologies such as Splunk, Tenable.sc, ServiceNow, VPN solutions, Cisco security platforms, and cloud initiatives, while also providing technical communication and reporting to both leadership and technical teams. These responsibilities sharpened my problem-solving skills, strengthened my ability to manage high-priority incidents, and reinforced the importance of proactive security and operational efficiency. Overall, my time at USDA was instrumental in shaping me into a well-rounded IT and security professional. It provided me with not only technical depth but also the discipline, professionalism, and mission-driven mindset necessary to excel in demanding enterprise support environments. I am proud of the work I contributed and value the experience as a major foundation for my continued growth in technical support and IT operations.

A fast paced work environment that requires multiple skills daily.  Tasks include: Staying updated on program changes through daily notices, memos, info bulletins and emails, posting daily market rates for commodities, encryption of emails with PII, answering multiple line phone system and recording accurate information and  interaction with associates on a daily basis.  

Specific times of the year were extremely busy as there are many deadlines to meet.  I was required to accurately mark hundreds of maps with crops planted along with planting dates and acres planted and then key information into the web application for producers records and crop insurance records.

Another aspect of the job is to assist the farming community with loans for commodities harvested. Also, figuring bushels in grain bins and entering data into the web application to compute accurate loan amounts in a timely manner.  Conducting lien searches and all paperwork necessary to complete the loan from start to finish and to establish correct eligibility was an important part of my job.  I also recorded remittances and receipts for installment payments as needed.  

Assisting hundreds of producers with farm program sign ups and yearly enrollments is also part of my daily duties.  This includes data entry to generate contracts with accurate share percentages figured, completion by producers of all eligibility paperwork and meeting contract deadlines by obtaining multiple signatures via email and phone contacts.

A difficult part of the position is the daily reading of notices, memos and info bulletins but this is a very important part of this job as it keeps the producers aware of all the changes being made and I can provide them with the most accurate information possible at all times.

The most enjoyable part of the job is the daily interaction with producers, getting to know them individually and helping them to gain monetary assistance and providing information to them to qualifying for different farm programs.

I really enjoyed my ten years at USDA's NRCS. I was lucky enough to have on the job training by someone who had been working there for nearly 50 years. I believe there is no better knowledge than experience itself. I became very knowledgeable/experienced/efficient with Topcon GPS survey equipment, including Topcon Hiperlite/GR3/GR5 equipment and Topcon Recon/FC-100/FC-200/FC-250 Data Collectors. While there we utilized, and I became very efficient, and received multiple trainings with Pocket 3-D/TopSurv survey software. I have also had the opportunity to become very efficient/knowledgeable with the GIS Mapping/Aerial Photography program. On a daily basis, I would plan and complete multiple agricultural land surveys, designs, construction stakeouts, and construction inspections for Irrigation Land Leveling, Irrigation Pipelines, and Grade Stabilization Structures, for multiple agricultural producers across Vermilion Parish Louisiana. Working for USDA's NRCS in Abbeville, LA, I was responsible for covering all agricultural producers in Vermilion Parish who would request our services.  Working with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services was a very fulfilling and enjoyable experience and I was blessed to have worked with USDA and its team for ten years. I have met some amazing people and have learned an infinite amount of knowledge from my engineers/peers there, but the potential to move up had come to a stand still for last couple years due to the condition of the federal government/lack of positions available for me to progress. USDA has taught me everything I know up to this point in my career, but I am a very dedicated hard working employee, and am looking to progress to higher positions/salary than the USDA could offer me at this point in my career.

Developed Email Platform-contacted 200 + email platform providers, negotiated pricing with 50 providers, reducing cost of current email deployment by 75%, while increasing quality of deployment by 50% in under 2 months reporting directly to CEO
• Implemented High Revenue Sales Strategies-contacting the top 5 data provider firms with 500% growth per year direct to VP’s of $100 million + in company revenue, forming strategic partnerships and curriculum with these firms to train US Data sales staff end to end on high revenue sales and persuasion strategies
• Created Marketing Scoring Algorithms and Web Crawlers-scoring our business database of over 55 million websites on marketing effectiveness, negotiating and project planning estimates of $300,000 down to $5,000 saving US Data $295,000, adding an additional revenue stream of $2,000 + per month as an additional add-on during the sales process
• Marketing and Database Management-assessing client needs including; marketing strategy and goals, collaboration with teams for agreement on most important marketing measurements and deliverables and consultatively recommending and designing marketing campaigns and strategies that fit with the client's strategies and overseeing the implementation of agreed upon strategies and monitoring and iteratively adjusting the strategies to meet marketing goals and database management of large database sets up to 1 million + per campaign with excel in email, telemarketing, and mailing lists with various marketing strategies within each channel
• Email Campaigns Deployment-targeted consumers and business ad campaigns, email ad copy and best practices for increased conversion rates of 300% above industry average for prospect email markets and list purchasing

I have been a "temporary" hire at the USDA Forest Service since 1997 (18 years).  My supervisor would love to hire me "permanently" so I can have full benefits and job security, however the hiring practices for the Federal government, and for USDA Forest Service in particular, are horrendously unfair in the name of being uniform and unbiased.

I would advise anyone interested in a job with the Federal government to take a permanent job, but the temporary jobs absolutely do NOT lead to a permanent job.  They really don't.  Instead, take the permanent job in the outer reaches of society, and then apply for the permanent job in the place you want to end up once you are in the system.  

The USDA Forest Service, at least, hires in two ways: they advertise in-house, and they advertise nationwide.  Supervisors who are hiring must select either from the in-house list, which is all of the current permanents, or must select from the nationwide list.  However, if they select from the nationwide list they must first offer the job to military veterans even if they barely qualify for the job.  Staff officers of the hiring supervisors also get a good rating on their job performance if they hire minorities, so some will look at ethnic-sounding last names (because it's illegal to ask someone if they are a minority).  But if the hiring supervisor doesn't want a barely qualified veteran, or pressure to hire someone based on their last name, they go to the in-house list of job candidates.  This is why most of the jobs in more popular locations go to those who already have a permanent job within the Forest Service.  They can actually review applicants credentials, interview several people, and hire who they'd like to hire if they do it from the in-house list.

If you already have a family, mortgage and husband's job to consider, then you're out of luck... but if you're mobile, the method above could work.

I worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for three summers: two summers as a soil conservationist trainee and the last summer as a soil scientist trainee. Typically, days were either spent in the office working on contracts with farmers who are receiving government funding for conservation practices or days were spent in the field assessing such practices. As a soil scientist trainee, my duties were reserved for mapping US Forest Service soils and classifying these soils. This third summer as a soil scientist trainee, provided me with extensive field skills and scientific knowledge, which were applicable to my college studies.

All three summers taught me an invaluable amount about working well and effectively with the public as a government employee. In addition, I learned how to quickly gain skills in various computer programs related to our work. I also learned how to apply my college studies to related field work as a soil scientist trainee. I learned how to work well with my supervisors and co-workers and how to ask for clarification and extra knowledge regarding projects. Most importantly, I learned how to work professionally in my desired work field.

I worked with three different sets of co-workers all of whom were supportive, engaging, and challenged me to be the best employee I could be. It didn't hurt that they were friendly and light-hearted also!

The hardest part of the job was learning how to communicate effectively about the benefits of NRCS with members of the community who were against government involvement. 

The most enjoyable aspect of this job were working professionally with others who cared about the conservation of our natural resources and gaining unlimited knowledge from both my supervisors and co-workers.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Program technician 13 salaries reported	$44,317 per year
Loan specialist 2 salaries reported	$44,273 per year
Researcher 1 salary reported	$50,000 per year
Biological technician 4 salaries reported	$48,750 per year
Program analyst 5 salaries reported	$65,399 per year

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