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US Agricultural Research Service

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ARS Technicians - Anonymous employee US Agricultural Research Service Employee Review

2.0
Mar 10, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits. More annual and sick leave than you will know what to do with.

Cons

Zero upward mobility. No one follows promotion guidelines though I cant speak for any program beyond the station where I worked. The topic during your annual review when its time to discuss your promotion will be the lack of funds in the budget. However, promotions are supposed to be based upon merit without consideration of budget. A secretary with a diploma in her third year was making more than two technicians with bachelors degrees that had been employed for over 10 years because she had a non-scientific supervisor. Lots of absurd things. Because there is very little mobility there are a lot of decisions made based upon seniority without any consideration for work ethic, knowledge, skill or ability.

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5.0
Jan 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Flexible schedule - independent working environment - impactful work - beautiful city and workplace - great coworkers

Cons

Sometimes some issues need lengthy bureaucratic process, which is understandable as this is a Federal workplace.

4.0
Jul 10, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good pay/benefits compared to same position at university.

Cons

Budget volatility, you may be closed down for months at a time.

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