Deputy Administrator for Specialty Crops Program

This position is designated as SES Career-Reserved. USDA structures its SES positions into position levels. This is a position level 2 with a salary range of $204,122.00 - $216,010.00 per year. Exceptions to the salary cap may be considered in certain circumstances. SES employees are also eligible to receive bonuses and performance-based awards. Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/ for additional information and benefits for SES employees.

As Deputy Administrator (DA), the incumbent leads the Specialty Crops Program within AMS, delivering grading, marketing, and information services to fruit, vegetable, nut, and other commodity customers nationwide.

Participates fully with the Administrator and the Associate Administrator in developing, recommending, and directing programs, policies, and procedures.

Oversees 600 geographically dispersed employees, covering inspection functions, standardization activities, market news reporting, research, promotion, marketing order oversight, PACA enforcement and domestic hemp production program administration.

Ensures proper program and policy integration, working with and through national policy-making implementation structures and procedures, including interagency reviews, legislative processes, judicial review, and international coordination.

Formulates and administers strategic plans and policies that supports the specialty crops industry and helps move our Nation's harvest into the marketplace.

Represents the Program and the Department, providing expert counsel across specialty crops industry stakeholders, including national trade groups, members of Congress, interagency and foreign partners.

Leads and directs organizational changes to ensure the integrity, customer responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of the Specialty Crops program.

Oversees substantial user fee, appropriated funds, and reimbursable agreements across a large portfolio of private and state business partners, including management of complex inspection, billing processes, and licensing activities.

Provides administrative and technical direction, coordination, and control in the execution of the approved policies and programs carried out by the headquarters organization and regional and field offices.