PDF versionJob Summary
The incumbent is a Research Soil Scientist in the Soil, Water, & Air Resources Research Unit of the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE), Ames, IA. The unit mission is to integrate soil, water, and atmospheric processes into anima, cropping, and watershed systems to enhance agriculture and protect the environment.
Major Duties
- Designs and conducts research related to quantifying the effects of agricultural management practices on soil physical quality and soil organic matter dynamics.
- Develops new and innovative management practices to reduce potential negative effects of crop production systems on soil quality and enhance the positive impacts on ecosystem services.
- Develops strategies that reduce soil organic matter loss by erosion or tillage and improve physical, chemical or biological soil quality.
- Collaborates with other Agricultural Research Service (ARS), university and private sector scientists to build a multi-disciplinary team necessary for this research.
- Analyzes, interprets and disseminates the findings in the form of reports, presentations and publications in scientific journals.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Requirements for Soil Science Series (0470):
Basic Requirements: A. 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
B. 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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the series described above, applicants must also meet the additional qualifications requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the duties of the position (i.e. soil science, or agronomy) OR one-year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (define below) equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service; OR a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience; Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled.
The specialized experience requirements for this position at the GS-12 level are: Experience conducting research related to changes in soil properties in response to different management practices and the resultant effects on ecosystems; presenting research findings at regional and national meetings or conferences; and publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to soil science. 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.
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
$76,721.00 - $99,741.00