Soil Conservationist (State Resource Conservationist)

$103,409 - $134,435/Yr

Department Of Agriculture - Columbia, SC

Full-time - Mid Level

Columbia, SC

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

This position is located on the Leadership Team of the State Conservationist (STC) with the natural resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of this position is to serve as the State Resource Conservationist, formulating, recommending, and implementing policy and procedures applicable to resource conservation planning activities and various program activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the State Resource Conservationist, formulating, recommending, and implementing policy and procedures applicable to resource conservation.
• Directs resource conservation planning, biology, and plant technology state specialists and coordinates their activities to assist the field staff in the implementation of a comprehensive conservation program.
• Manages staff resources by monitoring budgets and funding requests, organizing work, and controlling work products so that the resulting plans are in conformance with existing laws, rules and regulations, guidelines, and policy.
• Provides guidance and direction for the use of automated programs such as but not limited to: nutrient manual planning, erosion prediction, energy tools, and soil tillage intensity rating.
• Provides overall leadership of program activities, making work assignments, evaluating performance, interviewing candidates and making selections, and determining training needs.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Incumbent is required to obtain Conservation Planning Level II certification according to the guidelines in Part 409.3 of the General Manual.

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-13