District Conservationist (Soil Conservationist/Natural Resources Specialist)

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below. Basic Requirement: GS-0401: Degree: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Basic Education Requirement - 0457: Degree: oil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science.

Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science; OR Combination of Education and Experience: At least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education comparable to a 4 year degree.

Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science. Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills.

Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.

Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement To qualify for the GS-11 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service.

For this position, specialized experience is defined as assisting with conservation planning; collecting and evaluating resource data; supporting conservation program documentation; providing routine technical assistance to landowners; and using automated systems to help manage conservation program activities.

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering; 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: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service.

For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing technical guidance on natural resource conservation, developing and implementing conservation plans, administering conservation program contracts, coordinating with partner agencies, and using automated systems to support conservation program management. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level.

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.

Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.

This position includes a direct supervisory component. Supervises federal employees across multiple field offices, providing direction, oversight, and performance management.,Reviews work products for accuracy, quality, and adherence to policy; provides corrective guidance when needed.,Develops training plans to ensure staff competency in conservation planning, technical standards, and program delivery.,Resolves employee concerns, grievances, and workload issues to maintain an effective and equitable work environment.,Applies advanced natural resources, soil conservation, ecological sciences, and engineering Job Approval Authority (JAA) to design, certify, and oversee conservation practices in accordance with FOTG standards.,Leads Conservation Planning Phases I-III, including resource inventory, problem analysis, alternatives development, and selection of conservation systems.,Leads interagency collaboration to deliver conservation programs and technical assistance to private landowners.,Prepares conservation plans, technical determinations, contract documentation, and compliance reports that clearly communicate requirements and decisions.