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Soil Conservationist (Resource Conservationist)

at Natural Resources Conservation Service in Champaign, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary The incumbent serves as Resource Conservationist to the assigned Area, providing technical expertise to the field and area staff in conservation planning and application, quality assurance, contracting, performance reporting, and geographic information system (i.e., ArcGIS), etc., and the implementation of associated technology tools. The incumbent identifies solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agency operations and resolves matters involving conservation plans. Responsibilities Serves as staff specialist on conservation planning issues, including support and management of conservation planning certification that result from the implementation of NRCS programs and activities in the state. Maintains NRCS handbooks and manuals specific to conservation planning, including the National Planning Procedures Handbook and related parts of the Conservation Programs Manual and NRCS General Manual. Develops policy and procedures for the states, conditions, and incorporates these into appropriate handbooks and manuals. Works closely with other discipline specialists. Analyzes training needs and develops training programs specific to conservation planning. Mentors, provides guidance, leadership and training to area and field headquartered staff, district conservationists, technical service providers, and others engaged in resource conservation assistance and planning on all land uses. Conducts Quality Assurance Reviews for NRCS activities, including reviews for the adequacy of conservation planning, compliance with NRCS policy, and compliance with NRCS program requirements. Inspects and evaluates resource conservation planning and practice application performed by field personnel and others, and provides technical guidance to soil conservationists and others engaged in resource conservation planning on all land uses. Utilizes computer systems and associated software including MS Office, Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, CSG Database, eFOTG, Protracts, PRS, EZF edGrants, Service Now database management systems, web systems, and analysis, planning models and tools. Provides leadership in the development and use of computer and web-based planning tools. Works closely with partners to develop and manage agreements process amendments and review payment request. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-11 grade level for consideration for the GS-12 grade level). Basic Education Requirement: Degree: 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; OR 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, plus appropriate experience or additional education comparable to a 4 year degree. 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. Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work. 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 to qualify for the GS-11 grade level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing technical guidance and assistance in phases and steps of the conservation planning process for a limited geographic region. Examples of this experience include: Providing technical guidance and assistance in the inventory and evaluation, design and certification phases of most ecological science conservation practices. Providing routine technical guidance and scientific advice on the management and administration of related natural resources conservation programs. Resolving most technical problems to implement sound conservation plans and practices with limited assistance; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education or agricultural engineering; OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, 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. Specialized Experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing technical guidance, assistance and training in all phases and steps of the conservation planning process for a wide geographic region. Examples of this experience include: Providing technical guidance and assistance in the inventory and evaluation, design and certification phases of complex ecological science conservation practices. Providing recommendations and solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agency conservation activities. Providing guidance and oversight to others on conservation planning and implementation. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF 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 critic

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Job Posting: JC258544410

Posted On: Apr 19, 2024

Updated On: May 15, 2024

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