Where

Soil Conservationist (Area Program Specialist)

$78,969 a year
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Faribault Full-day Full-time

Description:

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Assistant State Conservationist-Field Operations (ASTC-FO) in providing leadership and guidance in the implementation of Farm Bill programs, to include the use of automated NRCS field tools as related to conservation programs utilized within the area.

A relocation incentive of up to $10,000 may be authorized.

Requirements:

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-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level).

Basic Education Requirement:
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 in A above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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-11 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. This experience includes knowledge of the principles and theories of soil and water conservation and related sciences such as biology, agronomy, and forestry, in identifying conservation related problems. Specialized experience is defined as:
Reviewing existing Farm Bill contracts to develop, monitor, and evaluate proper contract execution; Preparing conservation or resource management plans and providing financial or implementation assistance; Reviewing and monitoring partnership cooperative and/or contribution agreement; OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering; 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.

Specialized Experience Requirement: To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must possess at least 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. This experience includes knowledge of the principles and theories of soil and water conservation and related sciences such as biology, agronomy, and forestry, in identifying conservation related problems. Specialized experience is defined as:
Providing technical expertise, guidance, program management, training, and/or quality control for Farm Bill programs; Administration of an area Integrated Accountability System (IAS) and the use of automated field tools; Formulating recommendations of needed program rules and process changes. NOTE: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level.


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.
Apr 1, 2024;   from: usajobs.gov

Similar jobs

  • Farm Service Agency
  • Faribault
$38,501 a year
Description: Duty station will be in Faribault, Minnesota. Temporarily stationed in Le Center, Minnesota in the Le Sueur County Office. Applying to this vacancy constitutes your understanding that your resume, assessment and other application materials ...
24 days ago
  • U.S. Army Reserve Command
  • Faribault
$29 an hour
Description: About the Position: This is a Military Technician position with the 88th Readiness Division, Area Maintenance Support Activity 22 Branch Maintenance Activity 2 located in Faribault, Minnesota. This position requires active membership as a ...
6 months ago
  • U.S. Army Reserve Command
  • Faribault
$29 an hour
Description: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: This is a Military ...
6 months ago