Assistant State Soil Conservationist (Field Operations)

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Department of Agriculture

Job Summary

The incumbent will serve as a member of the State Leadership Team, and participates in formulation of overall operations for the State. Responsible for managing field operations, associated programs, and budget formulation and execution for an assigned area of the state.

Major Duties

  • Utilizes quality improvement processes, field office and/or managerial unit appraisals, field inspections, reports and results obtained by subordinates to develop, analyze, and implement improvements to field office and/or managerial unit operations,
  • improving the quantity, quality, consistency and effectiveness of conservation work in the state.
  • Oversees the development of conservation plans for a work area that covers a large geographic area usually consisting of cropland, rangeland, pastureland, forest land, and includes urban as well as rural areas.
  • Integrates and manages agency resources on the local level among the teams. Resources include budgets, schedules of assistance, equipment, and allocation and utilization of personnel and equipment to administer the conservation programs.
  • Guides the resource teams in the development and maintenance of effective working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, groups, and individuals to improve the conservation partnership.
  • This includes communicating agency commitment and the importance of the quality improvement process to employees and partners.
  • Provides supervision to a wide variety of technical and administrative staff.
  • This includes providing overall leadership of program activities, making work assignments, evaluating performance, interviewing candidates, making selections, and determining training needs.

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: 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. 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 experience directly obtained in soil conservation work. 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 the GS-13 grade level, you 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. For this position, examples of specialized experience include: Managing field operations and staff including providing technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and development of natural resource conservation programs to include coordinating staff performance and budget management. Analyzing workloads, developing and implementing annual work or business plans, and establishing goals within the constraints of funding and staff availability. Directing technical guidance and assistance to groups and individuals on a range of topics related to natural resource conservation. Clearly explaining and describing complex soil and water conservation issues, problems, programs, and solutions to diverse groups (e.g. rural and community landowners, residents, land managers, conservation groups, tribal entities, agency employees, and representatives of local, state, and other federal agencies in a way that supports agency objectives and promotes agency credibility). Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-13 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROFExperience 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

$94,803.00 - $123,247.00

More information...

End Date: 

Wednesday, January 15, 2020