Agronomist

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Education Requirement: Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management. OR Combination of Education and Experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered: GS-09 Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-9 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience includes knowledge of the principles and theories of agronomy, plant science, crop science, and grazing land usage in identifying agronomic solutions for resource conservation related problems. Examples of specialized experience include: Conducting plant material study plans; designing tests and experiments, establishing plots, maintaining and monitoring plantings; coordinating studies and activities to support a plant materials-agronomic plant and vegetative technology testing program; and preparing and delivering plant materials training sessions. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: For the GS-09 level: 2 year(s) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in Agronomy, or one of the related disciplines or fields of science, such as plant physiology, soils, or genetics, where the curriculum or pattern of training placed major emphasis on field crops or agronomy. Graduate study in related fields, such as botany, plant pathology, and biochemistry may also be qualifying, provided it placed a sufficient amount of emphasis on agronomy. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. GS-11 Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience includes knowledge of the principles and theories of agronomy, plant science, crop science, and grazing land usage in identifying agronomic solutions for resource conservation related problems. Examples of specialized experience include: Administering and conducting studies to address plant materials-agronomic plant and vegetative technology; providing plant science solutions, information, and technology to field staff and others; addressing water quality concerns, erosion issues on cropland and critical areas; and improving forage production on pasture and rangeland. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: For the GS-11 level: 3 year(s) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, agricultural engineering or related discipline; OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
This position is with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), located in Kingsville, Texas. The incumbent serves as a Conservation Agronomist in the States Plant Materials Center developing plant science technology to assist NRCS field offices in conservation of natural resources and farm bill programs.