Soil Conservationist

Summary

This position is located in a field office in the assigned state, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The incumbent will provide technical expertise and supervision to field staff in conservation planning and application, quality assurance, contracting, performance reporting, geographic information system, and the implementation of associated technology tools.

• Provides leadership, technical guidance, interpretations, and recommendations to assigned technical staff and Field Offices in the assessment, planning, development and application of conservation plans.
• Provides support to field office staff in implementing National and State Conservation planning policies, procedures, and requirements of the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG).
• Ensures all planning and environmental compliance functions are reviewed in program appraisals.
• Provides direction in the completion of program contracts, including review for accuracy; and verifies appropriate documentation on file which includes any requested contract modifications.
• Develops innovative techniques and recommends technical and administrative changes where needed to improve program quality and efficiency.
• Responsible for supervision of federal employees located within the field offices in the multi‑county resource unit.
• Responsible for employee development, administrative functions, collaboration among staff and conservation partners, ensuring the resource unit completes work within established timelines, and ensuring employees receive proper support and guidance.

• 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 receive instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Fees are not reimbursed.
• 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 – 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.
• Subject to one‑year supervisory probationary period unless prior service is creditable.
• 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.
• Must 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.

GS-0457

Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education…