at Natural Resources Conservation Service in Champaign, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary The incumbent serves as an mid-level Appeals Specialist responsible for program management support of the conservation quality assurance and the administrative appeals process involving NRCS in the assigned state working on the staff of the Assistant State Resource Conservationist – Compliance (ATSC-C). Responsibilities Serves as the primary point of contact in the state for programmatic appeals dealing with conservation programs and conservation compliance provisions of the 1985 National Food Security Act. Reviews adverse decisions made by Agency personnel to ensure all applicable procedures were followed by Agency officials and decisions were made according to statutory and regulatory provisions. Serves as Agency Representative at National Appeals Division (NAD) hearings, prepares administrative records for hearings, and prepares documents and program analysis to support Agency position. Recommends and implements approved quality assurance measures including review, evaluation, and recommendations for improving wetland compliance processes for certified wetland and HEL determinations, mitigations, and minimal effects. Assists with public outreach on Natural Resources Conservation Service activities including meetings, tours, demonstrations, news articles, success stories, and technical papers relating to the 1985 Food Security Act. Resolves conflicts related to program policy, administrative procedures, and statutory or regulatory requirements. 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. Basic Education Requirement: For the GS 0401 Series: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; 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. For the GS 0457 Series: 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 level: To qualify for the GS-11 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. This experience must include 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. For this position, examples of specialized experience include: investigate, analyze and advise on a variety of conventional natural resource compliance conditions. Uses a wide variety of reference materials and manuals to outline approaches to general problems or issues. supporting the technical determinations made by Agency staff when those determinations are disputed. 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, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. For this position 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: Recommending actions to correct deficiencies and makes suggested improvements in Agency policies, practices, and procedures based on lessons learned from appeals.. Providing technical assistance, specialized advice and counsel to professional and administrative personnel concerning all phases of the appeal, mediation, and equitable relief processes including the applicability to specific disputes, case preparation, appeal processes, and strategies. Developing and maintaining effective liaison with program officials, organizations, government agencies, and others interested in conservation programs. 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 critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will
