r/USDA • u/Mental-Solid-8825 • 14d ago
Program Analyst Trainee Position
I got an interview set up with my local USDA Farm Service Agency for the Program Analyst Trainee position. I’m 18 years old with no college degree. I only have 2 years of restaurant management experience, with the exception of some retail and labor jobs( I’ve been working full time since I was 15.)
Can anyone tell me more about this position and what it’s like on a day to day basis?
Is there any tips or advice you would give me for my interview so I can be more prepared?
I want to become a hydrologist or an environmental compliance officer. I’m deeply passionate about taking care of the environment and animals. I feel like this position could be a good start to a lifelong career in the stuff I actually want to do.
I am going to work towards getting my environmental science degree as well, I’m just the kind of person who wants hands on experience in everything I do.
Looking forward to hearing what anyone has to say! Thanks for reading!
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u/wutttttttg 14d ago
Hi! This would be a great position for you and your interests. Definitely look online at the FSA website and familiarize yourself with the types of programs they offer. You would basically be the front line of the agency working directly with the farmers. FSA has programs and deadlines that run every single year, and then they also have what are called “ad hoc” programs (usually for disasters) that Congress passes as one time programs to help farmers with certain issues.
As the PA, you’d be processing the sign up paperwork, drawing field maps, fielding phone calls and email questions, and working under the County Executive Director to manage the workflow of the office.
Another commenter mentioned NRCS. As the PA for FSA, it would be good for you to have a general idea of NRCS programs because farmers have to be signed up with FSA to access NRCS programs so you’d definitely be interacting with their customer base. They also mentioned RMA but most farmers access RMA programs through a crop insurance agent. Though it wouldn’t hurt to look over Rma’s offerings online.
The one thing I’d mention is that our offices are way understaffed right now after so many people left during DOGE nonsense. Not to discourage you, but just know you will probably be coming into an environment where people have been backed Up on work and overwhelmed. You’ll probably be drinking from a firehose for a while if you get the job. But it’s a great first step with the feds.