PDF versionJob Summary
This vacancy is located at the Plant Materials Center in Tucson, AZ. The incumbent will provide plant science solutions to water quality concerns, control erosion on cropland and critical areas, improve forage production and quality on pasture and rangelands, and improve wildlife habitat. This is accomplished by evaluating plant species and vegetative technologies providing plant related information to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field staff to support their clients.
Major Duties
- Develops and provides guidance on the establishment, revision, and correlation of soil and vegetative interpretations of crop land, hay land, mined land, and other related lands.
- Evaluates the results of land treatment and management, studies problems, and field conditions.
- Develops needs and plans for field trials on problems related to the agronomy disciple.
- Develops and updates standards and guides on conservation practice specifications.
- Provides training to field staff in the areas of conservation planning, agronomic practice benefits, water quality, nutrient and pest management, pasture management, plant science, residue management, tillage, cover crops, conservation buffers, etc.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level). Basic Education Requirement:
Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management;
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-07 level or higher, that has equipped you with the necessary competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, examples of specialized experience include: Administering and conducting plant material study plans; Designing tests and experiments, establishing plots, maintaining and monitoring plantings; Coordinating studies and activities to support a plant materials-agronomic plant and vegetative technology testing program;
Preparing and delivering plant materials training sessions. OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-11 level or higher, that has equipped you with the necessary competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, examples of specialized experience include: assisting in the development of agronomic techniques and standards for carrying out a program to improve soil structure and fertility, replenish and maintain supplies of organic matter, and secure proper application of irrigation water, nutrient management, and integrated pest management/pest management; collaborating in developing improved irrigated and dryland pasture mixtures; applying knowledge of applicable research data to field problems; providing input on the analysis of difficult and complex agronomic problems; providing technical guidance and assistance on topics such as soil interpretations, and plant, crop and soil management; expertise in the use of agronomy technology transfer tools; communicating and sharing general information and explaining general issues related to natural resources conservation problems and solutions. OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Professional and Scientific Positions 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.
Pay Range
$53,470.00 - $84,100.00