PDF versionJob Summary
This position is located in a state, field or area office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This Resource Soil Scientist is responsible for maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; conducting information and education activities related to soils and soil survey.
Major Duties
- Provides technical expertise in the application of Farm Bill programs. This includes providing leadership and guidance to field offices and assists during the program signup and application periods for CRP, GRP, EQIP, EWP, WRP and other programs.
- 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 at least one year (52 weeks) 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). Basic Education Requirement: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. ORCombination 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. 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, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must be 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 specialized experience includes: Provide support to field offices for technical soil services. Assist with Farm Bill program assessments and work collaboratively with Soil Survey offices. Assist with maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information. Assist in the development of training for NRCS employees and other technical specialists. OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: Three year(s) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil science or a closely related discipline;
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, 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 at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must be 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 specialized experience includes: Provide direct support as a Resource Soil Scientist to field offices for technical soil services. Process Farm Bill program assessments and work collaboratively with Soil Survey offices. Maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information. Conduct information and education activities to soils survey. Provide training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 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/#url=Group-StandardsExperience 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
$64,009.00 - $99,741.00