Economist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. Positions from this announcement will be filled in the Washington D.C. locality area, and/ or in the Beltsville, MD locality area.

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:

Performs research, analysis, and associated functions to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture.

Analyzes data to evaluate consistency with federal objectives, policies, and legislation.

Conducts in-depth analysis for use in the formulation of U.S. agricultural trade policy positions and recommendations.

Produces written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues

Participates in negotiating teams and in major projects which are central to the agency’s mission.

Consults with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations.