Supervisory Soil Scientist

Natural Resources Conservation Service; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Department of Agriculture seeks a State Soil Scientist, a principal staff member at the state office level, for crop, conservation programs and conservation technical assistance and disaster programs.

The position requires a soil science degree or related discipline with specified coursework and at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or higher. Relocation incentives may be offered.

Qualifications

• Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in subjects such as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.
• Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or related discipline with at least 30 semester hours in biological, physical, or earth sciences; at least 15 hours in the specified areas, plus experience or additional education.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and assistance in planning, design, and implementation of a balanced soils information program.
• Lead in the development and implementation of innovative technical soil services.
• Assist in development of soil survey program quality assurance and oversight.

Education

Soil science degree

Job description

The position is within the Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), State Conservationist principal staff member, State Soil Scientist, assigned to an NRCS state office with the focal point for the nation's farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners for crop, conservation programs and conservation technical assistance and disaster programs. Relocation Incentives May Be Offered

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 Requirements: Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. Or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A 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: Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the Federal GS-12 level or higher, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include: Provides guidance and assistance in planning, design, and implementation of a balanced soils information program. Lead in the development and implementation of innovative technical soil services. Assist in development of soil survey program quality assurance and oversight. 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. Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.