Resource Conservationist (DETAIL/TEMP PROMOTION NTE 1 YEAR)

Full Job Description

This position is located in the State Conservationist office, assigned to a field office or area office in the assigned state, Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS), US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The incumbent assists the field offices and staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive natural resource conservation program by providing technical guidance, assistance, and evaluation on matters related Farm Bill Programs and Conservation Program contracting and implementation.

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: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

(e.g. one year at the GS-07 grade level for consideration for the GS-09 grade level and one year at the GS-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level).

Basic Education Requirement: 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 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 for the GS-09 Level: To qualify for the GS-09 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service.

This experience must include: Species control, water quality improvements, livestock management, wildlife habitat, and forest management.

Preparing Species control, water quality improvements, livestock management, wildlife habitat, and forest management.

Preparing conservation or resource management plans and providing financial or implementation assistance; Communicating and sharing general information and explaining issues related to natural resource conservation, problems, and solutions to landowners, residents, and land managers.

OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.

(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12.

Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience for the GS-11 Level: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service.

This experience must include: Developing conservation plans that employ conventional and established criteria and techniques to interpret soil, water, and environmental data for sound land use; Interpreting land use potential and deficiencies and advising partner agencies and organizations, landowners and users on natural resources conservation methods and techniques; Resolving natural resource problems related to the implementation of soil and water conservation plans; Developing and implementing land treatment measures and water management practices.

OR Education: Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.

(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12.

Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards 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. Major Duties:

• Assist the field offices and staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive natural resource conservation program throughout the geographic area of responsibility.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to carry out various types of natural resource conservation programs, ensuring conservation goals are effectively and efficiently achieved.
• Works with landowners and operators, individually and in groups, to develop a wide variety of conservation plans according to established policies and procedures and in accordance with landowners' decisions.
• Provides technical guidance and information to engineers, conservation districts and regional planning groups to insure the development of highly specialized land resource plans, and to incorporate needed soil and water conservation measures.
• Represents the agency at conservation district meetings and serves as an advisor to district committees, and participates in meetings, tours, and demonstration projects to explain resource conservation planning.
• Provides program management, training, and quality control for various NRCS Farm Bill Programs.
• Assists landowners with the application of planned resource management systems in compliance with agency standards and specifications.