Basic Elegibility Criteria

• A GPA minimum of 3.00
• Degree – a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree
• Relevant Coursework – Candidates for agricultural economist positions are required to have 21 hours of economics and 3 credit hours of calculus, accounting or statistics
• Leadership Skills and/or Experience
• Cultural Experiences Abroad or in the U.S., working with diversity
• Teamwork Skills and/or Experience
• Technical Skills – Windows software applications and knowledge of using the Internet
• Written Communication – the candidate may be asked to write an essay as part of the interview
• Ability to travel domestically and/or abroad, as required by position
• U.S. Citizenship

Useful, But Not Required, Skills and/or Work Experience

• Agricultural background and trade policy, business, marketing, and development experience
• Foreign Language Ability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Initiative, Innovation, Risk Taking and Problem Solving
• Conflict Management
• Strategy Development and Implementation
• Program Monitoring and Evaluation
• Human Resource Management
• Financial Management
• Public Speaking Skills
• Influencing and Negotiating

Useful, But Not Required, Skills and/or Work Experience
If the candidate served on active duty in the U.S. military, the candidate may be eligible for veterans' preference. If the candidate’s service began after October 15, 1976, to receive preference the candidate must have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, or a service-connected disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or familial status.(Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the FAS Civil Rights Staff at (202)720-7233 (voice) or (202)720-1786 (TDD).