NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level or one year at the GS-13 grade level for consideration for the GS-14 grade level). Basic Education Requirements: 0401 Series Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown 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: Specialized Experience: GS-13- To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: Provide technical leadership related to operation and/or management of natural resources management programs or initiatives; Provide technical guidance to personnel regarding Natural Resource issues; Implement policy and ensuring compliance with natural resource requirements; and Provide input for recommendations on issues, administrative matters, and program technology development. GS-14: To qualify for this position, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-13 level or higher in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: Analyze issues pertaining natural resources; Interpret policy and regulatory requirements in terms of restoring and sustaining conservation objectives; Provide compliance recommendations for improvements in order to meet program objectives; and Provide guidance on program function covering a broad range of agricultural concepts. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC FOR WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/ 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.
The incumbent of this position serves as a Natural Resources Specialist on the NRCS Conservation Programs Policy Branch, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The incumbent is responsible for providing direction for conservation planning policy that supports the delivery of a wide range of natural resource management programs and initiatives. This position will be filled at one of the 9 NRCS hub locations listed in the announcement.