USDA Launches Initiative to Recruit Veterans, Military Spouses for Agriculture Careers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new initiative aimed at recruiting veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses into careers that support the nation's food supply, rural communities, and agricultural security.

Announced July 29 by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, the initiative combines an expanded partnership with the U.S. Department of War's SkillBridge Program and a new department-wide hiring effort called 100 Hires in 100 Days.

According to USDA, the effort is designed to increase hiring for mission-critical positions while creating additional career opportunities for military-affiliated applicants.

"America's service members have spent their careers protecting our nation, and USDA is proud to offer them a new mission after they leave the military: protecting American agriculture," said Secretary Rollins. "Agricultural Security is National Security. The leadership, discipline, and technical expertise our veterans and spouses bring will strengthen our food supply, safeguard critical infrastructure, support our farmers and ranchers, and defend the systems that keep America strong. Whether through SkillBridge or our new 100 Hires in 100 Days initiative, we are recruiting America's finest to continue serving the American people."

Each year, USDA noted that approximately 200,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces transition from active-duty service into civilian careers. The department said their leadership, operational experience, and technical skills can support USDA's work serving farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities.

Expanded SkillBridge Partnership

USDA is expanding its participation in the Department of War's SkillBridge Program, which allows eligible active-duty service members to spend up to their final 180 days of military service gaining civilian work experience while continuing to receive full military pay and benefits.

USDA said it is recruiting participants with experience in cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence, application development, budget and financial management, acquisitions, and contracting, Forest Service and wildland fire management, geospatial analysis, and other mission-critical disciplines.

SkillBridge opportunities are currently available within approximately 75 miles of USDA employment hubs in Fort Collins, Colorado; Indianapolis; Kansas City, Missouri; Raleigh, North Carolina; Salt Lake City; and Washington, D.C.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

USDA Launches "100 Hires in 100 Days"

The department also announced its 100 Hires in 100 Days initiative, which encourages USDA hiring managers to use existing veteran hiring authorities and non-competitive hiring options to fill mission-critical positions.

In addition to positions posted on USAJobs, veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses may join USDA's Military Spouse and Veteran Employment Program Candidate Database. USDA said the database allows hiring managers across the department to identify qualified candidates for positions that may be filled through non-competitive hiring authorities.

Focus on Agricultural Security

USDA said veterans can contribute to a wide range of agency priorities, including cybersecurity, digital services, wildfire response, animal health, conservation efforts, and producer support programs.

The department said interested applicants can learn more about SkillBridge opportunities, the Military Spouse and Veteran Employment Program, and available careers through USDA's online resources.

"This initiative is among many of USDA's efforts to recruit, retain and advocate for veterans in agriculture that we have had the pleasure of working alongside Secretary Rollins and her staff on," said Tab Bartley, USDA Veteran Employee Organization (VEO) president. "The USDA VEO is currently the largest and longest-standing veteran employee organization in the federal government, which is a testament to USDA's partnership with the veteran community. The work we are doing together recognizes the value and unique skillsets veterans bring, not only to the department, but more importantly to the American people."

"Military spouses face frequent relocations that have a big impact on their ability to secure and build meaningful careers," said Emily Kelley, president of USDA's Military Spouse Association. "With a 20 percent unemployment rate, efforts like USDA's partnership with the Department of War can lead real, meaningful change for military families. I'm grateful for Secretary Rollins' leadership on this key issue."