Soil Conservation Technician

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Department of Agriculture

Job Summary

This position is located in a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state, area, or field office within a designated state. To provide assistance to the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) assigned to the field office (FO) within the assigned Natural Resource area.

Major Duties

  • Gathers and compiles planning data on rural and or urban sites including physical features for evaluation and development natural resource conservation plans.
  • Provides technical support to the conservation planners in resource planning by utilizing applicable survey tools and planning software and assisting with data collection.
  • Checks feasibility and makes preliminary engineering surveys Records field notes and prepares tentative designs based on standard designs for review and approval.

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. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-05 level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service, which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience: Experience gathering and compiling planning data on soil limitations, erosion, surface drainage, and sedimentation to make preliminary engineering surveys; Assisting in the development of large area resource conservation plans; Working with landowners on the application and maintenance of conservation practices; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable; OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of education and experience as described above which totals at least 100% when combined. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-06 level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service, which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience at this level include, but are not limited to: Advising landowners on the use of one or several single alternative practices such as nutrient management, roof runoff structures, contour cultivation, grassed waterways, and terracing Installing and maintaining soil and water conservation measures on farms, ranches, or agricultural land; performing surveying work, reducing notes and drafting specifications for various stabilization or diversion practices Providing advice on merging conservation practices using established objectives; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: One full year of graduate education from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree with a major course of study in agriculture, forestry, range management, or another subject-matter field directly related to the position; OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of education and experience as described above which totals at least 100% when combined. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-07 level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service, which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience at this level include, but are not limited to: Designing, installing and maintaining a variety of non-routine conservation measures on public and privately owned land including farms, parks, shoreline, dams and reservoir areas, forests, and/or wildlife habitats Advising property holders on the effectiveness of applying soil and water conservation practices; conducting basic research in support of conservation planning efforts Performing surveying work, reducing notes and drafting specifications for various stabilization or diversion practices; providing advice on merging conservation practices using established objectives Developing and maintaining constructive relationships with clients, partners, and Conservation Districts; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: One full year of graduate education from an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree with a major course of study in agriculture, forestry, range management, or another subject-matter field directly related to the position; OR Combination of Education and Experience: Possess a combination of education and experience as described above which totals at least 100% when combined. 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-TECHExperience 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

$33,949.00 - $54,670.00

More information...

End Date: 

Friday, November 1, 2019