Subject Matter Expert (SME)

ProSidian Consulting, LLC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Vacation and PTO

Flexible Spending Account

Referral Bonus Program

Performance Incentives

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Job summary

ProSidian Consulting, LLC seeks an expert-level Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support highly complex issues beyond standard technical knowledge. The role emphasizes research, policy analysis, program management, and technical assistance to advance USDA-aligned outcomes.

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree and 5–10 years of specialized experience, with deep knowledge of agricultural systems, regulatory context, and strong communication skills for diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree and 5–10 years of experience in your area of specialization with demonstrated expertise and accomplishments in research, policy analysis, program management, or technical assistance.
• Deep knowledge of agricultural systems, practices, policies, and issues, including relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills, with ability to synthesize complex information and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and training and capacity building.
• Proficiency in research methods, data analysis techniques, and relevant software tools.
• Commitment to USDA's mission and values, including promoting agricultural sustainability, food security, and rural prosperity.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert-level analysis and recommendations to achieve program outcomes.
• Engage with stakeholders across multiple sectors to inform policy and program design.
• Lead capacity-building initiatives and manage projects with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Business Acumen

Communication

Motivation

Agility

Judgment

Organization

Education

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in agriculture, agronomy, animal science, plant science, environmental science, economics, or related field

Tools

Research methods

Data analysis

Statistical software

Job description

In cases involving highly complex issues, support may need to be provided beyond the technical knowledge and experience of a Level 3. To accomplish this support a recognized expert(s) in a specified field or area may be required. SMEs exhibit the highest level of expertise in the designated subject matter and provide expert level issue resolution and recommendation support to achieve desired program outcomes. Specialized expertise may include, but is not limited to, the following functional and or cross-functional areas: financial, engineering, environmental, climatological, biological, archaeological, architectural, and historic preservation. Use of the Subject Matter Expert category requires a specific task requirement. SME cost will be proposed and negotiated at time of need.

• Advanced degree (master's or Ph.D.) in agriculture, agronomy, animal science, plant science, environmental science, economics, or a related field.
• At least 5-10 years of experience in your area of specialization, with demonstrated expertise and accomplishments in research, policy analysis, program management, or technical assistance.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of agricultural systems, practices, policies, and issues, as well as relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and training and capacity building.
• Proficiency in research methods, data analysis techniques, and relevant software tools.
• Commitment to USDA's mission and values, including promoting agricultural sustainability, food security, and rural prosperity.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork – ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
• Leadership – ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
• Business Acumen – understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
• Communication – ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels
• Motivation – persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
• Agility – ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
• Judgment – exercises prudence and insight in decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
• Organization – ability to manage projects and activity, and prioritize tasks

Benefits and Highlights

At ProSidian, we invest in our employees to help them stay healthy and achieve work-life balance. Our growing list of benefits currently include the following for Full Time Employees:

• Competitive Compensation: Pay range begins in the competitive ranges with Group Health Benefits, Pre-tax Employee Benefits, and Performance Incentives.
• Group Health Insurance Benefits:
  • Medical: ProSidian partners with BC/BS, to offer a range of medical plans, including high-deductible health plans or PPOs.
  • Dental: ProSidian dental carriers - Delta, Aetna, Guardian, and MetLife.
  • Vision: ProSidian offers high/low vision plans through 2 carriers: Aetna and VSP.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plans help you save for your retirement for eligible employees. A range of investment options are available with a personal financial planner to assist you. The Plan is a pre-tax Safe Harbor 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match.
• Vacation and Paid Time-Off (PTO) Benefits: Eligible employees use PTO for vacation, a doctor’s appointment, or any number of events in your life. Currently these benefits include Vacation/Sick days – 2 weeks/3 days | Holidays - 10 ProSidian and Government Days are given.
• Pre-Tax Payment Programs: Pre-Tax Payment Programs currently exist in the form of a Premium Only Plan (POP). These Plans offer a full Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan and a tax benefit for eligible employees.
• Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans: We want you to achieve financial success. We offer a Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plan through The Corporate Perks Benefit Program. This provides special discounts for eligible employees on products and services you buy on a daily basis.
• Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our consulting engagements there are Security Clearance requirements for Engagement Teams handling sensitive Engagements in the Federal Marketplace. A Security Clearance is a valued asset in your professional portfolio and adds to your credentials.
• Leverage-able Experience and Thought Leadership: By collaborating with firm leadership, other members of the team, as well as Fellows and collaborating partners in what is a flat organization, you'll make valuable professional connections, gain experience, and contribute to Thought Leadership while you build a basket of marketable experiences.
• ProSidian Employee & Contractor Referral Bonus Program: ProSidian Consulting will pay up to 5k for all referrals employed for 90 days for candidates submitted through our Referral Program.
• Performance Incentives: Due to the nature of our consulting engagements there are performance incentives associated with each new client that each employee works to pursue and support.
• Flexible Spending Account: FSAs help you pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent day care expenses on a pre-tax basis. You determine your projected expenses for the Plan Year and then elect to set aside a portion of each paycheck into your FSA.
• Supplemental Life/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance : If you want extra protection for yourself and your eligible dependents, you have the option to elect supplemental life insurance. D&D covers death or dismemberment from an accident only.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Disability insurance plans are designed to provide income protection while you recover from a disability.

Additional Information

• ProSidian Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status, or any other protected factor. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
• ProSidian Consulting has made a pledge to the Hiring Our Heroes Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the “I Hire Military” Initiative of The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) for the State of North Carolina. All applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of Veteran Status.
• Furthermore, we believe in "HONOR ABOVE ALL" - be successful while doing things the right way. The pride comes out of the challenge; the reward is excellence in the work.

Risk Management | Compliance | Business Processes | IT Effectiveness | Engineering | Environmental | Sustainability | Human Capital ProSidian is a Management and Operations Consulting Services Firm focusing on providing value to clients through tailored solutions based on industry leading practices. ProSidian services focus on the broad spectrum of Risk Management, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, Energy & Sustainability, and Talent Management. We help forward thinking clients solve problems and improve operations. Launched by former Big 4 Management Consultants; our multidisciplinary teams bring together the talents of nearly 190 professionals nationally to complete a wide variety of engagements for Private Companies, Fortune 1,000 Enterprises, and Government Agencies of all sizes. Our Services are deployed across the enterprise, target drivers of economic profit (growth, margin and efficiency), and are aligned at the intersections of assets, processes, policies and people delivering value. ProSidian clients represent a broad spectrum of industries to include but are not limited to Energy, Manufacturing, Chemical, Retail, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals, Banking & Financial Services, Transportation, Federal and State Government Agencies. Learn More About ProSidian Consulting at www.ProSidian.com.