Preparedness and defense are critical to America’s food and agriculture sectors and to sustaining and growing rural America. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to military veterans in the Reading-Berks County area to fill the roles that keep America’s food supply safe and secure, preserve and strengthen rural communities, and restore and conserve the environment.
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans’ website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
USDA prioritizes hiring veterans because we know that you bring a wide range of experiences and strong work ethic that USDA wants and needs across the Department.
USDA is looking for smart, experienced people to work at one of the more than 2,100 county offices across the country, or at the headquarters offices in Washington, D.C. USDA prioritizes hiring veterans because we know that you bring a wide range of experiences and strong work ethic that USDA wants and needs across the Department.
USDA has a wide range of employment opportunities. Military experiences can directly translate to USDA jobs in areas such as:
- Criminal Justice
- Soil Conservation
- Contracting and Procurement
- Information Technology
- Food Inspection and Public Health
- Fire Fighting
- Finance
- Economics
Are you ready for another challenge? Please contact the USDA at veterans@usda.gov to see how your skills can be best applied. The USDA Point of Contact can tell you more about special hiring authorities for veterans and your family members, veterans’ preference, and how you can align your skills with USDA Mission Areas and Staff Offices.
In addition, you may check out job opportunities at USAJobs.
Hands-On Job Training for Veterans
On-the-job training is a great way to learn skills and see if a job at USDA or in agribusiness would be a good fit for you.
In collaboration with the Department of Labor, USDA has two national-level apprenticeships where you can earn wages while gaining experience.
- Agricultural Commodity Graders is a 12-month training program through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, starting at GS-5/7
- Wildland Firefighters is a 3,000 hour on-the-job learning program through USDA’s Forest Service, available positions include GS-3, 4/5, and 5
Information about these apprenticeships and other Department of Labor apprenticeships can be found on the Department of Labor’s website.
There are also opportunities through the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, where eligible service members can participate in industry training instead during the closing months of their career.
Want to learn more? Contact us at veterans@usda.gov.
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The law office of elder law attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C., is located in Wyomissing (outside of Reading, PA, in Berks County,) and offers trusted legal services in the areas of elder law, including nursing home planning, trust and estate services, and veterans benefits. Scott C. Painter is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA®), and he is also a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
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