Soil Conservationist (Resource 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 Requirements: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled (e.g., one year at the GS-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level; and one year at the GS-11 grade level for consideration for the GS-12 grade level). Basic Requirements: Degree: Bachelor’s or higher degree in 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. (You must submit transcripts.) 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. The quality of the combination of education and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation, and is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field. In addition to courses in the major and related fields, a typical college degree would have included courses that involved analysis, writing, critical thinking, research, etc. These courses would have provided an applicant with skills and abilities sufficient to perform progressively more responsible work in the occupation. Therefore, creditable experience should have demonstrated similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the work of the occupation. (You must submit transcripts.) Minimum Qualifications Requirements: In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered: To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, you must meet the following: Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include understanding principles and theories of soil and water conservation, and related sciences (such as biology, agronomy, and forestry) is necessary for identifying conservation-related problems. Examples of specialized experience include: Assisting land users in implementing conservation plans. Reviewing natural resource conservation plans and measures to ensure proper implementation; and Interpreting land use potential and deficiencies by evaluating soil properties and characteristics. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. (You MUST submit supporting academic transcripts.). 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. (You MUST submit supporting academic transcripts.) To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the following: Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include knowledge of soil and water conservation principles and theories, as well as related sciences such as biology, agronomy, and forestry, to identify conservation-related problems. Examples of specialized experience include: Providing technical guidance and assistance in the various phases of complex ecological science conservation practices, including inventory, evaluation, design, and certification phases. Recommending and implementing solutions to improve agency conservation efforts and increase efficiency; and Providing guidance and oversight to others on conservation planning and implementation. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Professional and Scientific Positions. 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 experiences, including volunteer experience.
The incumbent will assist the field offices and staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive natural resource conservation program by providing technical guidance, assistance, and evaluation on Farm Bill Programs and Conservation Program contracting and implementation. The position is responsible for other Natural Resources Conservation (NRCS) programs in the designated area of responsibility.