Soil Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service; Ozona (TX); On-site; USD 62,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas seeks a professional to assist field offices with technical guidance and evaluation for Farm Bill Programs and Conservation Program contracting and implementation. The role emphasizes applying soil and water conservation principles and related sciences to conservation planning and program evaluation.

The candidate will provide technical assistance, help develop conservation plans for landowners and local groups, and assist in evaluating urban,

Qualifications

• Specialized Knowledge: soil and water conservation principles and related sciences such as biology, agronomy, forestry.
• Experience applying techniques from agricultural and natural resource fields in conservation work.
• Experience providing technical assistance to area/field offices and in developing conservation plans.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical assistance and guidance to area and field offices regarding various natural resource conservation programs.
• Assisting in the development of natural resource conservation plans for landowners, conservation groups, or units of local government.
• Assisting in the evaluation of onsite urban, rural, or wetland conservation needs.

Skills

Soil conservation knowledge

Biology

Agronomy

Forestry

Education

Degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline

Job description

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Texas.

The purpose of this position is to assist the field offices and staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive natural resource conservation program throughout the geographic area of responsibility by providing technical guidance, assistance, and evaluation on matters related Farm Bill Programs and Conservation Program contracting and implementation.

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

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.

Minimum Qualifications Requirement

Specialized Experience: GS-09 You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. This experience must include 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.

• Providing technical assistance and guidance to area and field offices regarding various types of natural resource conservation programs
• Assisting in the development of natural resource conservation plans for landowners, conservation groups, or units of local government
• assisting in the evaluation of onsite urban, rural, or wetland conservation needs

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience

two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.

Combination of Education and Experience

A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used 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.

GS-11

You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. This experience must include knowledge of the principl