SOIL SCIENTIST - RESOURCE SOIL SCIENTIST

$72,553 - $113,047/Yr

Department Of Agriculture - Grand Island, NE

Full-time - Mid Level

Grand Island, NE

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

This position is with the National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) in Nebraska. The incumbent serves as a resource soil scientist, responsible for maintenance, interpretation and distribution of soil survey information; conducting information and education activities related to soil and soil survey; providing training to NRCS employees and others. Also assists with conservation planning, environmental assessments and natural resources activities.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a technical soil specialist for highly erodible land, wetland conservation, and conservation compliance.
• Makes wetland determinations following procedures outlined in the Wetland Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or as outlined by the state's local operating procedures and recommends changes to hydric soil lists to the State Soil Scientist (SSS).
• Provides technical expertise in the application of Farm Bill programs including providing leadership and guidance to field offices and assists during the program signup and application periods for CRP, GRP, EQIP, EWP, WRP and other programs.
• Conducts on-site soil investigations and provides onsite technical assistance on the interpretation and application of soil survey information related to specific soil, water, air, plant, and animal resource concerns.
• Participates in functional reviews and program appraisals and serves as a team member for field office quality assurance reviews and appraisals.

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.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree in soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.
• Combination of Education and Experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences.

Benefits

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