Soil Conservationist

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: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-11 grade level for consideration for the GS-12 grade level). Basic Requirements for 0401 series Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Basic Requirements for 0457 series Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science; OR Combination of Education and Experience: At least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education comparable to a 4 year degree. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science. Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work. 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: To qualify for the GS-12, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. For this interdisciplinary position, experience includes performing the following types of tasks as a regular part of a job: Provides leadership in developing, updating, and improving statewide conservation policies; Coordinating, supporting and carrying out Farm Bill conservation program implementation activities statewide; Performing quality control for Farm Bill programs; Providing technical assistance in support of the development of conservation activities. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences (401) Soil Conservationist (0457) Agricultural Engineer (890)
This position is located in a state, area, field or district office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and serves on the state Programs Staff. This position serves as Soil Conservationist and provides guidance to implement the various programs of NRCS throughout the state. Specific duties are coordinating, supporting and carrying out Farm Bill conservation programs.