Program Manager

Department of Agriculture

Food and Nutrition Service

Office of Retailer Operations and Compliance

Summary

The Office of Retailer Operations & Compliance (ROC) is seeking dynamic and experienced leaders for three distinct Director positions, all focused on ensuring the integrity and effective administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer operations nationwide. While all roles provide strategic leadership and authoritative oversight to safeguard federal resources and uphold program integrity, each Director leads critical and specialized functions.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

Current, permanent employees of the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration and CTAP/RPL eligible employees

Duties

Fraud Analytics Division Director - See Below
Directs all national SNAP fraud analytics, predictive modeling, data mining, and risk evaluation activities for retailers and meal service providers, including developing advanced analytic tools and identifying high-risk transaction patterns.
Manages the assessment, documentation, and evaluation of retailer fraud allegations, ensuring comprehensive fraud assessments are conducted and providing technical guidance to investigative partners on analytics and emerging fraud schemes.
Leads transformational improvements in fraud detection, strengthens risk assessment systems, enhances data sharing, and fosters collaboration with law enforcement agencies for criminal, civil, and administrative actions.
Retailer Compliance Division Director - See Below
Leads all national SNAP retailer compliance operations, including administrative case processing, rigorous analytic reviews of transaction activity, and sanction actions resulting from retailer misconduct
Manages the complete sanction process for SNAP retailer investigations, from issuing Charge Letters to coordinating Administrative and Judicial Review requests, ensuring consistent application of regulations and equitable enforcement
Collaborates with law enforcement partners, offering technical expertise on compliance case development and evidentiary thresholds, and drives modernization initiatives to streamline administrative processes and strengthen investigative readiness.
Retailer Operations Division Director - See Below
Leads, directs, and oversees all national SNAP retailer operations activities, including authorization, reauthorization, compliance verification, and administrative actions for participating stores and meal service providers
Develops and implements national policies and strategic initiatives to strengthen program integrity, executing enhanced retailer screening, criminal history reviews, and identity verification to prevent ineligible retailers from entering the program
Drives organizational improvements that enhance operational efficiency and national program stewardship, while serving as a senior advisor to ROC leadership on retailer integrity issues, emerging fraud trends, and strategic priorities

Requirements

Conditions of employment

You must be a US Citizen or US National.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary or a trial period. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
The incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, (5CFR Part 2634, Subpart I USOGE, 6/08), upon entering the position and annually, if applicable.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify for the GS-15: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal and or Public Service. Specialized experience is defined as:

Demonstrated leadership in planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale national programs or operational functions specifically focused on regulatory oversight, integrity, or compliance within a federal or comparable regulatory environment;
Proven experience directing data analysis, risk assessment, or predictive modeling techniques to identify and mitigate program vulnerabilities, detect potential fraud, or ensure compliance within a large-scale regulated environment;
Extensive experience overseeing or directing complex investigations, administrative actions, or sanction processes against regulated entities or program participants, including coordination with law enforcement or external oversight bodies; and
Documented success in developing, implementing, and modernizing policies, strategies, or operational procedures to enhance program integrity, efficiency, or compliance outcomes within a complex regulatory framework.

Education

There is no substitution of education at this grade level.

Additional information

Director Descriptions:

Fraud Analytics Division Director: The Fraud Analytics Division Director provides leadership for all national fraud detection, predictive analytics, and investigation initiation activities related to SNAP retailers and meal service providers. Operating within the Office of Retailer Operations & Compliance (ROC), this position directs mission critical functions that protect SNAP from retailer based fraud, misuse, and systemic vulnerabilities. The Director oversees advanced analytic operations, nationwide fraud screening, investigative referrals, and data driven compliance initiatives designed to safeguard federal funds and uphold program integrity.

Retailer Compliance Division Director: The Retailer Compliance Division Director provides leadership over all national SNAP retailer compliance and enforcement operations within the Office of Retailer Operations & Compliance (ROC). This includes directing administrative cases derived from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transaction analysis, overseeing sanction processes resulting from retailer investigations, and ensuring consistent, fair, and evidence based compliance actions across the national retail landscape.

Retailer Operations Division Director: The Retailer Operations Division Director is responsible for national administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer operations within the Office of Retailer Operations & Compliance (ROC). This role provides strategic leadership and authoritative oversight to ensure the integrity of SNAP retailer participation nationwide and to safeguard federal resources through robust screening and administrative actions.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Accountability
Customer Service
Decisiveness
Flexibility
Interpersonal Skills
Problem Solving
Resilience

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13046766

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages.

Current and former Federal employees:

Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.

Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP or RPL priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Resumes cannot exceed two pages.

The application process is as follows:

Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about 1-2 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status:
Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages. Applicants who submit a resume that exceeds two pages will be removed from consideration. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc.

Agency contact information

FNA HR Support

Phone: 844-208-2364
Email: FNS.HR.Support@usda.gov

Address: Food and Nutrition Service
1320 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA 22314
US

Next steps

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).

Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to fns.hr.support@usda.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Program Manager Job