About the Program

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 conducted by the PEAK participants as a team.

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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