When it comes time to transition from service in the military to a civilian job, many veterans do not immediately think to look for positions at the USDA. There is an assumption that jobs with USDA are all farm-related – even those in the Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS). In reality, there is a wide variety of opportunities within AMS and USDA as a whole.
There are a number of jobs at AMS that overlap with different military specializations. The agency has auditors who evaluate programs to make sure producers follow international standards and practices. Positions in compliance and analysis, budget analysis, and information technology rely on skills like attention to detail and effective project management that are an essential part of armed services training.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, my military background helped me transition smoothly into a career with the federal government and specifically with AMS. I had less of a learning curve because of the training I received in the military, and I think that’s true for many of the veterans that work at AMS.
AMS believes that the skills acquired while a member of the armed services—leadership, team work, and a strong work ethic—are perfect tools to help you succeed in a job within the agency. The fundamentals of leadership and team building learned in the military gives a solid foundation that can jump start anyone’s career in the federal government.
Because of its dedication to hiring veterans, AMS participates in a number of career fairs and events designed to connect employers with veterans. Fairs like the Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NavSea) Wounded Warrior Career Fair at the Washington, DC Navy Yard give AMS and dozens of other government agencies the chance to talk about job opportunities with interested veterans. The NavSea Wounded Warrior Program is an organization dedicated to helping service-disabled veterans transition into civilian careers.
AMS also regularly attends career fairs and seminars held by Operation Warfighter, a program run by the Department of Defense to help wounded service members gain valuable work experience.
We encourage all veterans to take a serious look at careers within AMS. Besides Operation Warfighter and the NavSea’s Wounded Warrior Program, there are many programs, like the Veterans Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation Program and the Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP), that help service members and their families begin a career in the federal government. AMS will continue to partner with these organizations, and welcome highly qualified veterans to our staff.