PDF versionJob Summary
The incumbent is responsible for maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; conducting education activities related to soils and soil survey; providing training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists; assisting with conservation planning, wetland determinations, environmental assessments, and natural resource management activities; providing leadership, technical review and guidance in the application of soil survey information throughout the state.
Major Duties
- Serves as a technical soil specialist for highly erodible land, wetland conservation, and conservation compliance.
- Provides technical expertise in the application of Farm Bill programs.
- Makes wetland determinations following procedures outlined in the Wetland Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or as outlined by the state's local operating procedures.
- Conducts on-site soil investigations.
- Provides leadership and guidance to field offices and assists in the preparation of area-wide plans of operation, business plans, budget plans, long range plans, and training plans related to soil survey technical services.
- Leads, organizes, guides and develops fact sheets, job sheets, technical notes, and other publications to address local, regional, and statewide soil issues.
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. 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.
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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement be considered:
Specialized Experience for the GS-11 grade level: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include: Performing soil survey mapping, interpretation and application; Interpreting soil survey data for environmental land use or conservation planning; and Providing soil assistance to technical specialists. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: 3 year(s) 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 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: 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. Specialized Experience for the GS-12 grade level: To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include: Providing technical assistance in the planning, designing, and implementing of soil health management in relation to conservation practices of natural resources including; Reducing or eliminating soil erosion, increasing soil organic matter, and increasing soil's water holding capacity. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Professional and Scientific Positions 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
$64,009.00 - $97,183.00