Natural Resources Specialist​/Soil Conservationist

Summary

The incumbent serves as Assistant State Conservationist (Easement Programs) and is responsible for the coordination, direction, evaluation, and oversight of easement programs as well as the application of related administrative policies and procedures for which the agency has technical responsibility as related to the Farm Bill.

• Provides statewide leadership and guidance; responsible for the overall planning, development, and operation of easement programs, and activities within areas of responsibility.
• Manages restoration agreements, contracts, and budgets; assists in the development of easement program strategies; responsible for maintaining easement information.
• Represents the agency in meetings with contractors, and federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Plans and assigns work of subordinates, sets, and adjusts short‑term priorities, and prepares schedules for work completion.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected, you may be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints.
• Probationary and Trial Period – Successful completion of a 1‑year probationary period or 2‑year trial period unless previous federal service is creditable.
• Direct Deposit is required for all Federal employees.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Subject to one‑year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable.
• Position has a Confidential Financial Disclosure (Form OGE‑450) requirement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position.

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.

Degree:
Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position;

• Combination of
  
  Education and Experience:
  
  Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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 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.

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.

Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural…