The ARS Executive
PEAK program is a continuous road to excellence in leadership. Over the
course of development, participants will experience a variety of ARS-specific
details, shadowing, and other assignments that will broaden their knowledge
of the agency's operating philosophy, culture, scientific programs, and
administrative support. The assignments will be executive-level providing
real experience in executive positions. Details will include some outside
the agency, and in outreach, civil rights, and diversity. Participants
will spend a significant amount of time away from their normal duties
and duty station.
Selection as a PEAK
participant is a notable achievement. The program offers extraordinary
experiences and provides opportunities for participants to develop leadership
skills at the highest levels. Program graduates are valuable resources
for the Agency. Participation in the PEAK program, however, is not a guarantee
of promotion. The program will help individuals develop their skills and
abilities and place them in a better position to compete for advancement.
What
to Expect from PEAK
- Opportunities to
develop leadership skills and learn more about ARS
- Unique and challenging
assignments
- Coaching and evaluation
by a team of ARS executives
- Continuous, candid,
supportive communication regarding strengths and weaknesses
- Partnership with
a mentor
- Commitment of Agency
resources for travel, training, memberships, books, and materials
- Encouragement and
support
What
is Expected of PEAK Participants
- Enthusiastic, active
participation
- Initiative
- Mobility
- Willingness to
learn
- Active partnering
with the executive team and other PEAK participants
- Mentoring and development
of others
- Significant amount
of time away from their normal duties and duty station
Developmental
Activities
Developmental
activities will be tailored for each PEAK participant.
- One week orientation
in Washington, D.C./Beltsville HQ Participants will meet with their
mentor, and their Support and Review Team, and begin creating an Individual
Development Plan (IDP).
- A detail of at
least four weeks with the National Program Staff (NPS), and a second
minimum four week detail at an ARS Area office. Both details will include
specific assignments. The NPS detail will provide the participant with
an overview and understanding of ARS scientific research programs, how
national programs are established and funded, how the NPS is organized,
and its value to the Agency. An understanding of the ARS National Program
structure is critical for all ARS executives, including those in administrative
support. The Area office detail will expose the participant to the leadership
issues involved in managing a research program and administrative support
spread across a large geographical area with multiple work locations.
- Selected shadowing
assignments: Administrator's office, Budget office, Civil Rights Staff,
Information staff, OCIO, OIRP, OTT, AFM. Some of these assignments may
coincide with the NPS detail, others may require additional time spent
at headquarters.
- Attend and possibly
participate in Administrator's Council meetings.
- Attend and possibly
participate in Administrative and Financial Management Council (AFMC)
meetings.
- A detail of at
least four weeks (more likely to be 90-days) outside of ARS.
- A detail or special
assignment related to outreach, civil rights, or diversity
- Training as appropriate.
Examples: Federal Executive Institute course, seminars on working with
the press, foreign language, organizational dynamics, executive leadership,
international affairs, budgeting. Some training may be required, other
courses will be optional.
- Participation in
the Congressional Briefing Conference, if not completed previously.
- Experiential training
in diversity as well as civil rights, complaints and grievances.
- A special project
for the Administrator.
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact
the ARS, Civil Rights Staff, by telephone: 1-800-340-4289 or 202-729-3410.
Website: http://www.ars.usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large
print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600
(voice and TDD).
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