PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located on Crop Production Systems Research Unit (CPSRU), Stoneville, Mississippi Incumbent is a Research Soil Scientist with the CPSRU. Research emphasis will be on maintaining and enhancing soil resources. Incumbent will determine the effects of soil and crop management practices on soil quality and agrochemical fate and transport.
Major Duties
- Forms hypotheses; plans and conducts research; analyzes, interprets, and publishes results that would benefit other scientists, government agencies, industry, producers and the general public;
- Research involves field as well as greenhouse and laboratory work;
- Develop robust methodologies to evaluate and measure impact of new herbicide-resistant cropping systems on soil and water resources of the Southeast;
- Use a systems approach to develop sustainable soil and water management practices in the production of herbicide-resistant crops;
- Evaluate short-and long-term effects of tillage, cover crops, and fallow cultivation on soil and water quality;
- Determine the fate and persistence of old herbicide chemistry used in conjunction with existing and new herbicide-resistant crop technologies;
- Develop better and sustainable water and irrigation management strategies to reduce soil runoff
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: Soil Science Series (470): Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. OR
Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience developing and executing a research plan, and evaluating results related to effects of soil and crop management practices on soil quality and agrochemical fate and transport. Experience in professional knowledge in maintaining and enhancing soil resources. Experience in the scientific principles and methods and processes used to conduct research and publishing research in peerreviewed scientific journals in soil and crop management practices on soil quality. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of the position are: Experience defining research problems, developing and executing a research plan, and evaluating results related to effects of soil and crop management practices on soil quality and agrochemical fate and transport. Experience in research knowledge in maintaining and enhancing soil resources. Experience in the scientific principles and methods and processes used to conduct research and publishing research in peer-reviewed scientific journals and being first author in publications of research in soil and crop management practices on soil quality. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. 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. To be considered for this position, you must submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Also, submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Pay Range
$74,596.00 - $115,313.00