Soil Conservationist; District Conservation

Summary

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in field offices located in Monticello, Blountstown, Florida City, and DeFuniak, FL. The incumbent assists the Conservation District(s) (CD) within the managerial unit, consisting of one or more counties or districts, in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program. The incumbent perform expert professional duties to achieve an integrated system of sound land use and conservation treatment.

• Provides technical advice on natural resources issues requiring development of natural resource management strategies and resolves conflicts related to NRCS natural resources conservation programs.
• Serves as technical liaison to partners to answer questions and provide guidance concerning NRCS conservation programs and other natural resources and conservation activities.
• Assists with program awareness and contract management within the managerial unit, including determining what conservation programs are available.
• Resolves natural resource issues within the managerial unit through development of conservation plans with landowners.
• Coordinates with Soil and Water Conservation Districts programs/activities and NRCS programs with the programs of other agencies and groups.
• Develops natural resources conservation program activities in cooperation with the SWCDs, partner agencies and other organizations.
• Promote and assist in the development and implementation of long-range district plans and annual plans of work

• 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. Please note we are unable to reimburse for any fees incurred.
• Direct Deposit:
  Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
• 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.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain a Conservation Planning Certification in accordance with the guidelines in General Manual 180 Part 409.3.

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:
GS-0457: 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:

Possess at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown in the 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…