USDA Farm Service Agency Seeks Applicants for County Executive Directors in Training and Loss Adjustment Contractor Positions in Michigan

EAST LANSING, Mich., May 12, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is an exciting and rewarding place to start, build or continue your career. FSA in Michigan is accepting applications for County Executive Director in Training positions at through May 20, 2022. Applications for Loss Adjustment Contractor positions are being accepted at local FSA Service Centers in Michigan through June 6, 2022. Apply today to be part of our team and support the well-being of American agriculture and the American public. 

County Executive Director in Training (CED-T)

FSA develops new local leaders through a one-year training program for CED-T. As a CED-T, trainees are guided through the training program by experienced FSA County Executive Directors (CED). Emphasis is placed on acquiring an in-depth knowledge of FSA programs administered at the county level. You will see a combination of classroom-type training, hands-on experience, and formal management training to prepare you for the next step of your career in the managerial role as a county service center CED.  

CEDs are also known as the county service center managers. As a CED, you will provide direction to your Program Technicians and oversight for FSA commodity, conservation, and livestock programs for one or more counties. In addition to directing and managing FSA programs, a CED is also responsible for performing office, field, and outreach activities as needed to accomplish program objectives. Successful candidates for these positions possess leadership and supervisory skills and are willing to learn. 

FSA's diverse culture and benefits allow for a healthy balance between your career and home life. In addition to a generous salary, FSA offers a friendly and professional working environment with a diverse workforce, flexible hours and work schedules, and other family-friendly benefits such as earned annual leave, earned sick leave, paid holidays, insurance benefits, flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care, pension plan, and retirement savings account.

To learn about eligibility, qualifications, and how to apply for the CED-T position, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/649023600 by May 20, 2022.

Loss Adjustment Contractor (LAC)

FSA trains and contracts with Loss Adjustment Contractors (LAC), independent contractors knowledgeable in field and specialty crops, to  conduct appraisals on loss claims under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Tree Assistance Program (TAP) across the state. FSA in Michigan is currently accepting applications for new LACs through June 6, 2022.

The service work of a LAC includes performing loss adjustment services as assigned by FSA State Office representative or CED for FSA programs. This includes visits for the purpose of appraising damaged or destroyed crops during the growing season or following harvest.  This position requires physical activity while in the field, including walking through soft, uneven fields, bending to physically inspect plants and roots, and heavy lifting, depending on the crop being inspected. The work also requires LACs to have reliable means of transportation and the ability to travel within the assigned area, which may cover several counties up to an entire state.

LACs are independent contractors, which means they do not earn paid leave, pensions or other benefits associated with federal employment. However, LACs have flexible work schedules and may be eligible for travel costs, per diem and other duty-related compensation.

For more information about becoming a LAC, contact your local USDA FSA Service Center by June 6, 2022.