Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)

About the position

This position is located in a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state, area, or field office. The incumbent assists the Conservation District(s) (CD) within the managerial unit, consisting of at least one county or district, in the development of a comprehensive natural resource conservation program.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall management of agricultural resources, the formulation and implementation of soil and water conservation plans for all out grants and providing guidance and assistance to landowners.
• Work with landowners on collection and analysis to identify problems, determine objectives, inventory resources, and analyze resources.
• Partner with the state conservation partnership to provide long-term commitment to the local, state and federal government conservation delivery system to help private landowners, communities and others conserve natural resources within the state.
• Responsible for supervision of federal employees. Independently ensures quality and quantity of work, reviews work of subordinates and accepts, revises, or rejects work. Sets performance standards and evaluates performance for subordinates.

Requirements

• 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.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable.
• 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.
• 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.
• In accordance with Title 180 General Manual, Part 409, incumbent must obtain necessary requirements to serve within determined designated certified conservation planner role.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree: Bachelor's or higher degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.
• 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.

Benefits

• Relocation expenses reimbursed
• Telework eligible
• Full-time work schedule
• Competitive service appointment
• Promotion potential to GS-12