SOIL CONSERVATIONIST

Summary This position is located in a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office across Montana. The primary purpose of this position is to develop natural resource conservation plans, identify local resource concerns, and coordinate conservation planning implementation efforts across the working unit with cooperation and coordination from SWDCs, partner agencies and other organizations. Duties Provides technical advice on natural resources issues requiring development of natural resource management strategies and resolves conflicts related to NRCS natural resources conservation programs. Serves as technical liaison to partners to answer questions and provide guidance concerning NRCS conservation programs and other natural resources and conservation activities. Assists with program awareness and contract management within the managerial unit, including determining what conservation programs are available. Resolves natural resource issues within the managerial unit through development of conservation plans with land owners. Coordinates with Soil and Water Conservation Districts programs/activities and NRCS programs with the programs of other agencies and groups. Develops natural resources conservation program activities in cooperation with the SWCDs, partner agencies and other organizations. Promotes and assists in the development and implementation of long‑range district plans and annual plans of work. Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected, you may be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Note we are unable to reimburse for any fees incurred. Probationary and Trial Period – Successful completion of a 1‑year probationary period or 2‑year trial period unless previous federal service is creditable. Refer to Next Steps for more information. Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov. Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position. Qualifications Basic Requirement: GS‑0457 – Successful completion of a Soil conservation or 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement for the GS‑11 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as knowledge of the principles and theories of soil and water conservation and related sciences such as biology, agronomy, and forestry, in identifying conservation related problems. Examples of specialized experience include: Providing technical guidance and assistance to groups and individuals on topics such as soil interpretations, erosion control measures, pest and invasive 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. Education at the GS‑11 grade level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three 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 related agricultural or natural resource discipline. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience as listed above. A combination of graduate‑level education and experience 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. Time‑in‑Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time‑in‑grade 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. Physical Demands The incumbent must walk extensively through rough terrain, over ditches, and climb steep banks. Some physical exertion is required. Work Environment The incumbent works under conditions that involve moderate discomforts due to adverse weather. Works near farm and earth‑moving machinery and may be exposed to toxic chemicals. Field work is required, often in remote areas, with or without access to amenities and may require working individually or in small groups. Telework This position is eligible for telework as determined by the agency policy. Incentives Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. Bargaining Unit This is a non‑bargaining unit position. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr AgHires