PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located on Salina, Kansas. The Resource Soil Scientist is responsible for providing leadership, technical review, and guidance in the application of soil survey information throughout the state.
Major Duties
- Provides expertise in the application of soils information for conservation planning, on-site investigations, education and outreach activities.
- Provides soil expertise at appeals that are elevated to the County Farm Service Agency Committee, State Conservationist (Technical Reviews), and the National Appeals Division.
- Conducts on-site soil investigations. Provides on-site technical assistance to agency personnel and the public on the interpretation and application of soil survey information related to specific soil, water, air, plant, and animal resource concerns.
- Plans, develops and provides training in soil science and the use of soil survey information to NRCS and non-NRCS audiences.
- Serves as a team member for field office quality assurance reviews and appraisals. Reviews field office use of soils information (source data) in the application of conservation practices and programs.
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-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level and one year at the GS-11 grade level for consideration for the GS-12 grade level.) Basic Education Requirement:
Degree: 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: 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 or additional education. 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-11 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) or more years of specialized experience to the GS-09 level or higher in the federal service which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Example of this experience include providing support to field offices for technical soil services; assisting with Farm Bill program assessments and working collaboratively with Soil Survey offices; assist with maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; and assist in development of training for NRCS employees and other technical specialists. Substitution of education for the GS-11 level: Three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil science or a closely related discipline. Combination of education and experience: A combination of graduate-level education (less than 3 years) and experience (less than one year) as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. To qualify for the GS-12 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or higher in the federal service which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of this experience include providing direct support as a resource soil scientist to field offices for technical soil services; processing Farm Bill program assessments and working collaboratively with Soil Survey offices; responsible for maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; conducting information and education activities to soils survey; and providing training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists. 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=List-by-Occupational-SeriesTime-in-Grade: Applicants must have completed at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade (Example GS-9 for GS-11, GS-11 for GS-12), or have held the same grade or higher grade level as the one advertised in order to be considered for this position. NOTE: 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
$62,236.00 - $96,978.00