Supervisory Natural Resources/Soil Conservationist (Assistant State Conservationist)

US Natural Resources Conservation Service; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Natural Resources Conservation Service in Morgantown, WV seeks an Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations to supervise field offices, manage programs, and oversee budgets. This role provides technical leadership and strategic guidance across West Virginia’s conservation efforts.

The incumbent must translate complex soil and water conservation concepts into actionable plans for staff and partners, ensuring effective program delivery and compliance with Federal standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or education/experience as described: soil/conservation related discipline with hours as specified.
• Specialized experience in field operations management and program delivery.
• Ability to explain complex soil and water conservation topics to diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and guide field offices and designated units in West Virginia.
• Manage field operations, programs, and budget formulation.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on natural resource conservation topics.
• Communicate complex soil and water conservation issues to varied audiences.

Skills

Field operations management

Budget management

Technical leadership

Communication of soil/water issues

Education

Soil conservation degree

Biological sciences / natural resource degree

Job description

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Area 1 - Morgantown, West Virginia Office. The incumbent serves as the Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations, providing supervision, guidance, and assistance to all field offices and/or designated managerial units in West Virginia. The incumbent is responsible for managing field operations, associated programs, and budget formulation. 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.

This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below.

Basic Requirement:

GS-0457

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.

GS-0401

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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below

Specialized Experience Requirement For the GS-13 grade level:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Managing field operations and staff including providing technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and development of natural resource conservation programs to include coordinating staff performance and budget management.
• Analyzing workloads, developing and implementing annual work or business plans, and establishing goals within the constraints of funding and staff availability.
• Directing technical guidance and assistance to groups and individuals on a range of topics related to natural resource conservation.
• Clearly explaining and describing complex soil and water conservation issues, problems, programs, and solutions to varied groups.

NOTE: There is no educational substitution for the GS-13 level.

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.