PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located in USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, State Conservationist office,The incumbent will serve as the Assistant State Conservationist (Programs) (ASTC-P) in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is responsible for the coordination, direction, oversight and evaluation of program activities in the area. In addition, works with area staff members in making special assessments and developing planning strategies to expedite work.
Major Duties
- Serves as program manager for various assigned programs in the state and for programs of other agencies for which the NRCS has technical responsibility.
- Provides leadership in developing and implementing a comprehensive soil, water, and resource conservation program and provides guidance on policies, procedures and implementation strategy.
- Serves as the conservation program and Farm Bill state expert for direction to program managers and specialists in soil conservation, hydrology, GIS, economics, biology, and engineering and related technical disciplines.
- Provides statewide leadership and guidance for the overall planning, development, and operation of programs and activities within areas of responsibility.
- Determines the need for personnel services and technical assistance and coordinates program needs with state staff, Assistant State Conservationists (FO), and others including individuals outside NRCS.
- Is responsible for providing assistance to the State Technical Committee, local work groups, and partners in carrying out a quality Farm Bill program
- Provides supervision to staff of GS-12 Specialists and Program Support Specialists.
- Provide overall leadership of program activities, making work assignments, evaluating performance, interviewing candidates and making selections, and determining training needs.
- Manages available staff resources by preparing long and short range schedules for staff activities, preparing and monitoring budgets and funding requests, organizing work, and controlling work products .
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 a 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: combination of education and experience of at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or 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. 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 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: Demonstrate applying a broad knowledge of soil and water conservation principles and methods. Developing natural resource guidelines and working with business plans addressing priorities, goals, and objectives. Developing, implementing and managing complex natural resource conservation programs dealing with diverse and sometimes opposing audiences, and working as a liaison with individuals, groups and federal, state and local government. 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/0400/soil-conservation-series-0457/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
$91,231.00 - $118,603.00