Careers in...

Statistics

Mathematics

Information Technology

Geographic Information Systems

and other fields

at USDA’s

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service
As the statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provides timely, accurate, and 

useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. NASS is the official source of 

comprehensive, current information on the farms, ranches, and people who 

provide food, feed, and fiber to our nation and the world. 

Who We Are

We are a diverse team of professionals from many different geographic areas 

and academic backgrounds. Some have in-depth knowledge training in statistics 

and mathematics, others have statistics and math course work but majored in 

other fields such as agricultural sciences, psychology, and more. NASS staff are 

largely statisticians, mathematicians, computer scientists and other information 

technology specialists. Our staff also includes economists, geographers, 

administrative, budget, communications, and other professionals. 

What We Do

We collect, assemble, analyze, and disseminate data about U.S. agriculture. We 

conduct more than 400 weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual surveys each year 

to provide data that others rely on to make farm-level, business, and policy 

decisions related to agriculture. Every five years, we also conduct the Census of 

Agriculture, a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches, regardless of the size or 

type of operation. In addition, we conduct ongoing research on survey design, 

sampling, and cutting-edge statistical issues.

“I started with NASS as an intern and 26 years later, I still 

enjoy working for this agency. Working for NASS is not 

just about a job, it’s a place where my skills are valued 

and my growth is nurtured, which makes every day a 

step toward a brighter future.”

 — King J. Whetstone II, Regional Director 

“My internship at NASS taught me 

more than I could’ve ever imagined. 

Not only did I enhance my aptitude for 

public affairs, but I also gained a deep 

understanding of agricultural statistics, 

strengthened my writing abilities, and 

grew as both a professional and a 

person.” — Colbee Cunningham

Intern, Public Affairs
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Why Join the NASS Team? 

1. Make a diff erence. Farmers, ranchers, policymakers, community planners, 

agribusinesses, researchers, USDA, and other federal and state agencies 

use NASS data for planning, market assessment, decision making, and 

ongoing research. The information NASS provides is essential to U.S. 

agriculture, a major sector of the economy. It contributes to a stable 

economic climate and reduces risk.

2. Work with smart, motivated colleagues. NASS staff are dedicated to 

providing objective, reliable data. Employees come from a wide range of 

majors and collaborate across offi ces to produce hundreds of on-time, 

high-quality products each year.

3. Enjoy excellent pay and benefi ts. NASS pays competitive government 

salaries and off ers a range of benefi ts that help you create a satisfying 

work-life balance rarely found elsewhere.

4. Advance your education. NASS off ers academic and professional 

development opportunities to give you the tools you need for your job 

and to help you advance your career. This may include college courses, 

graduate-level degree programs, cross-training programs, workshops, 

seminars, and online courses.

5. Pursue career opportunities in Washington, D.C., and in offi ces across 

the country. Work in the nation’s capital, with all the opportunities and 

attractions of a major international city. Or work in one of our 12 regional 

offi ces or at our National Operations Center in St. Louis.

“Even before coming on board, I could tell that NASS 

is committed to its people. NASS kept in touch on a 

weekly basis during the time it took to obtain my 

security clearance, and from my fi rst day in the offi ce, 

everything worked as it should. NASS is very welcoming 

to newcomers and will be a great place for a long and 

productive career.” 

— Ravi Govada, IT Project Manager

“In my fi rst three years at NASS, I worked in St. Louis and 

in Washington, D.C., gaining experience while working as 

a data editor, survey analyst, and project manager before 

taking on responsibility for a national survey. Now back in 

St. Louis, I am doing more technical work to verify the lists 

NASS uses in conducting surveys.” — Christina Spellman, 

Agricultural Statistician, former Pathways Recent Grad
4

Career Opportunities

Agricultural or survey statistician. Design the surveys, build the frames, 

conduct various phases of large-scale surveys, develop procedures for 

interpreting survey results, and analyze the data for trends and results. 

May include commodity or survey statistics, remote sensing, the Census of 

Agriculture, and management. Minimum qualifi cations: A bachelor’s degree 

with 15 semester hours in math and statistics (with at least six in statistics) plus 

nine additional hours in other physical or social sciences.

Mathematical statistician. Evaluate the data for validity and accuracy, 

develop and apply models that resolve problems, and conduct research 

on survey design, sampling, and other methodological issues. May include 

estimation theory, statistical computing, non-sampling error management, 

remote sensing, and management. Minimum qualifi cations: A bachelor’s 

degree with 24 semester hours in math and statistics (with at least 12 in math 

and six in statistics). A math or statistics master’s degree is desirable, as is 

computer profi ciency and experience in statistical software packages. Doctoral 

degree wanted for research positions.

Information technology specialist. Design and maintain the computer 

systems that process and analyze data. May include software development 

and maintenance, systems support, technology research, technical support, 

database administration, security, Web design and maintenance, and 

management. Minimum qualifi cations: A bachelor’s degree or experience 

in computer science, information science, management information systems, 

mathematics, statistics, operations research, engineering, or similar fi eld.

Finance, communications, human resources, administrative, and other 

professionals. These positions support NASS’s core work of planning surveys 

and censuses and collecting, 

analyzing, and disseminating 

data. They are essential to NASS 

operations but are fewer in 

number, and vacancies occur 

less often.

NASS Staff by Job Type %

Agricultural / Survey Statistician 60

Mathematical Statistician 12

IT Specialist 5

Administrative / Clerical 5

Statistical Assistant 7

Geographer / Cartographer 2

Finance, Communications, HR 5

Intern 4

All Staff 100

“My journey with the federal government began in 

2008 at NASS. Working alongside incredibly smart and 

talented people willing to help me prepared me to walk 

through a promising career path.” 

— Gloria Anderson, Survey Statistician 
5

NASS hires college graduates from a wide range of majors:

• Agricultural Economics

• Agricultural Sciences

• Business Administration

• Computer Science

• Demography

• Economics

• Engineering

• Geographic Information Systems

• Geography

• Information Science

• Mgmt. Information Systems

• Marketing

• Mathematics

• Operations Research

• Public Relations

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Statistics 

Students and Recent Graduates

USDA Pathways Programs provide opportunities for current students and 

recent graduates to get started in federal service working in agriculture, 

science, statistics, math, and other fi elds.

Internship Program — Students in high school (including home schooling) 

or pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a qualifying institution 

(including certifi cate programs and community colleges) have the opportunity 

for paid work experience while pursuing their education. Interns may work 

during the summer, during academic semesters, or year round. 

Recent Graduates Program — Individuals who graduated from a qualifying 

program or program in the last two years (six years for veterans) participate 

in a dynamic one-year program off ering a full-time position that includes 

mentoring, training, professional development, and a potential long-term 

career in the federal government.

“NASS’s commitment to providing accurate and 

useful statistics drew me to the agency. The role 

of agriculture – how it touches everyone – is very 

meaningful to me. I’m fortunate to work with 

others with similar values, and to use my skills 

to communicate the work and priorities of this 

critical agency. “ — Nancy Kim, NASS Public 

Aff airs Specialist – Web Content

“What I really value about NASS is the absolute 

commitment to data objectivity.” 

— Tyler Wilson, Survey Methodologist, 

former Pathways Recent Grad
NASS and You

If you are a statistics or math major or have the minimum credits required, 

have a background or even just an interest in agriculture trends and issues, 

enjoy solving problems, and want to learn and grow throughout your career, 

consider joining the NASS team. 

With options to work for headquarters in Washington, D.C., or offices around 

the country, many of us build our careers by gaining experience in various 

locations. Headquarters manages surveys, analyzes data, conducts cuttingedge statistical research, and publishes national reports. Regional field offices 

collect and publish similar data specific to their regions, states, and localities. 

The operations center in St. Louis develops data collection instruments and 

procedures, maintains our list frame, collects and processes data, and trains 

our interviewers.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., offers historic landmarks, world-class 

museums, prestigious universities, and a variety of restaurants, theaters, music 

venues, professional sports teams, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

Offices around the country, in or near state capitals, each have their own 

location-specific characteristics and amenities.

6

Eastern

Mountain

Southern

Delta Southern

Plains

Pacic Mountain

Northwest

Northern

Plains Upper

Midwest

Great

Lakes

Heartland

Northeastern

Harrisburg

Louisville

Athens

Des Moines

St. Louis

Little Rock

Austin

Lakewood

Olympia

Sacramento

East Lansing

Lincoln

Regional Field Oce Location

“Over the past decade, I began my career at NASS, took 

that experience and those skills honed, and accepted a 

position with our sister agency, USDA’s Economic Research 

Service. Recently, I had the great opportunity to return to 

NASS. Coming back has been a true homecoming because 

of the many relationships that I developed over the years 

and the impactful work I continue to do here.”

— Kevin Hunt, NASS Geographer
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• Health insurance, including dental and vision options

• Annual leave – 13 days per year initially, 20 days after 

3 years, 26 days after 15 years

• Sick leave – 13 days per year (can be used for self and 

to care for sick family member)

• 11 paid holidays per year

• Paid parental leave for childbirth, adoption, or foster 

care placement

• Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent 

care)

• 40-hour work week

• Remote, telework and fl exible hours 

options 

• Optional life and long-term care 

insurance

• Retirement plan

• Optional tax-deferred Thrift Savings Plan, 

with up to 5% agency match (similar to a 

401K)

• Locality pay by geographic area

• Periodic pay increases

• Potential cash awards for outstanding performance

• Professional development and training

“NASS has been extremely welcoming despite 

my lack of agricultural knowledge. Coming to 

NASS as a veteran, I’ve been able to leverage my 

profi ciency in statistics to join the hardworking 

team. There are passionate mentors ready at 

every turn.”

— Darcy Caldwell, Mathematical Statistician,

US Air Force Veteran

“NASS has aff orded me various opportunities to serve 

on projects specifi cally geared toward engaging with 

U.S. producers and underserved communities. This 

demonstrates the importance of diversity and inclusion 

and I appreciate working for an agency where this is a 

priority. NASS’s commitment to equity and opportunity 

eff ectively contributes to a collaborative and 

supportive work environment. The consistent support 

of leadership and colleagues has been instrumental in 

my career development.”

— Torey Lawrence, Deputy Chief of Staff 

Benefits

In addition to a competitive government salary, NASS off ers a range of benefi ts 

to help you create balance in your professional and personal life: 
Apply Today 

Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting

your career, NASS off ers excellent opportunities and a dynamic, 

rewarding work environment. NASS vacancies are available at

www.USAJOBS.gov.

For More Information

Visit www.nass.usda.gov/careers/

or

Call NASS Human Resources (800-832-4180)

or call or email one of our Regional Field Offi ces.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

July 2023

www.nass.usda.gov

Follow us on @usda_nass

Delta Region

800-327-2970 

nassrfodlr@usda.gov

Eastern Mountain Region

800-928-5277

nassrfoemr@usda.gov

Great Lakes Region

800-453-7501

nassrfoglr@usda.gov

Heartland Region

800-551-1014

nassrfohlr@usda.gov

Mountain Region

800-392-3202

nassrfomtr@usda.gov

Northeastern Region

800-498-1518

nassrfoner@usda.gov

Northern Plains Region

800-582-6443

nassrfonpr@usda.gov

Northwest Region

800-435-5883

nassrfonwr@usda.gov

Pacifi c Region 

800-851-1127

nassrfopcr@usda.gov

Southern Region

800-253-4419

nassrfosor@usda.gov

Southern Plains Region

800-626-3142

nassrfospr@usda.gov

Upper Midwest Region

800-772-0825

nassrfoumr@usda.gov

Follow us on @usda_nass