What does the Agricultural Research Service do?
ARS conducts research at laboratories and field locations across the country on topics such as crop production, plant and animal health, human nutrition, food safety and natural resource protection. The agency describes its mission and locations on its website.
This guide is independent and not affiliated with USDA. For accurate information about openings, requirements and programs, always use the official ARS and USAJOBS sites.
ARS scientists often publish their findings, and many projects involve partnerships with universities and growers. That means careers there can include writing, teaching and outreach as well as lab or field work.
What career tracks does ARS describe?
The ARS careers pages describe several tracks, including scientist positions, technical and support positions and administrative roles. Scientists lead research projects. Technicians run experiments, collect samples and maintain equipment. Support staff handle budgets, safety, communications and facilities.
Read the official career tracks page to see current descriptions, since the agency updates them from time to time.
Think of the tracks as different ways to contribute to the same research. Many projects need scientists, technicians and support staff working together, and moving between tracks is possible with the right education and experience.
- Research scientists and project leaders
- Biological and agricultural technicians
- Laboratory and field support staff
- Administrative and facility roles
How does federal hiring work?
Federal jobs, including most ARS jobs, are posted on USAJOBS. Announcements list duties, required experience or education, pay grade information and how to apply. Applications are scored against the stated requirements, so resumes need to show specific experience that matches the announcement.
Federal hiring has its own vocabulary and timelines, and some programs, such as student and internship pathways, have separate rules. Read each announcement closely and ask the agency's contact listed there if something is unclear. Citizenship and work authorization requirements are set by the agency, so confirm them on the official announcement.
A practical tip is to save a master resume that lists every project, tool and skill, then adapt it to each announcement. Federal reviewers look for matching details, so general statements are less useful than specific examples.
What education do ARS jobs usually ask for?
Scientist roles typically require advanced degrees in a relevant science, often a doctorate for project leaders. Technician roles may accept a mix of education and experience, such as coursework in biology or agriculture plus lab or field work.
Because requirements are set by position and series, the safest approach is to read live announcements. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook explains the education usually required for agricultural and food scientists and technicians, and gives current pay and outlook.
It also helps to follow ARS news and read short research summaries on the agency website. You will learn the topics, the places and the vocabulary scientists use, which makes interviews and applications less intimidating.
How can you prepare while in high school or college?
Build a strong base in biology, chemistry, math and statistics. Take part in science fairs, FFA or 4-H projects, and any research experiences your school offers. Learn to document your work clearly, since written reports and data records matter in research jobs.
In college, look for undergraduate research, summer programs and internships at land-grant universities and federal programs. Keep a record of techniques you learn and equipment you use so your resume is specific.
Ask a college advisor or career center to review a federal-style resume with you. These resumes tend to be longer and more detailed than ones used in private jobs.
What are the realistic challenges?
Federal hiring can be slow and competitive, and location matters, since research facilities are in particular places. Research itself involves long-term projects, setbacks and a lot of detail work.
Many research tasks involve hazards such as chemicals, animals and field equipment. Training and supervision matter, and agencies follow safety rules that you will learn on the job.
Housing, moving and cost of living in a research location may also affect your decision, so research the community as well as the job before applying.
What questions should you ask a researcher?
Ask how they chose their research area, what a technician contributes to a project, and how they communicate results to farmers or the public. Ask how they started and which experiences helped.
Confirm current opportunities and eligibility on official USDA and USAJOBS pages rather than relying on rumor.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Related career, not a promise of pay or a job. See the career profile.
Your next steps
- ARS is USDA's research agency, employing scientists, technicians and support staff.
- Federal jobs are posted on USAJOBS and judged against the written requirements.
- Build science, math and documentation skills, and look for research and internship experience.
- Confirm requirements and eligibility on official sites, since this guide is independent.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.