Soil Scientist

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: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled and which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. GS-09: Experience: Qualifying experience for the GS-09 grade level includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 grade level or its’ non-federal equivalent, collecting agricultural samples in a field environment; analyzing research data or results; and operating field or laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or master’s or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Soil science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Chemistry. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience. GS-11: Experience: Qualifying experience for the GS-11 grade level includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 grade level or its’ non-federal equivalent, participating in a research project related to soil science; analyzing research data or results; and operating and maintaining scientific field or laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Soil science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Chemistry. OR A combination of doctorate level education and specialized experience. 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 located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory in Kimberly, ID. In this position, you will provide expertise and support by performing a variety of field sampling techniques, laboratory analytical methods and statistical analysis. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years.