Job Title:Interdisciplinary: Rangeland Management Specialist, Soil Conservationist, Soil Scientist, Agronomist

Department:Department Of Agriculture

Agency:Natural Resources Conservation Service

Job Announcement Number:24HQ-NRCS-MA-2015-0895

SALARY RANGE: / $70,192.00 to $116,149.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: / Friday, June 12, 2015 to Tuesday, June 23, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: / GS-0457/0470/0471/0454-12/13
POSITION INFORMATION: / Full-Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
13
DUTY LOCATIONS: / 1 vacancy - Little Rock, AR
1 vacancy - Davis, CA
1 vacancy - Athens, GA
1 vacancy - Des Moines, IA
1 vacancy - Salina, KS
More Locations (7)
WHO MAY APPLY: / US Citizens and Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: / Public Trust - Background Investigation
SUPERVISORY STATUS: / No

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion procedures on 6HQ-NRCS-MA-2015-0896. Disabled Veterans, candidates with 3 or more years of active duty military service, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities can apply to the Merit Promotion announcement if they meet criteria for the above and include supporting documents.
The title of this Interdisciplinary position will coincide with the professional series of the selectee. This position may be placed in the Rangeland Management (GS-0454), Soil Conservation (GS-0457), Soil Science (GS-0470), or Agronomy (GS-0471) series depending on the qualifications of the selectee.
Please identify which location(s) you are applying for.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment. “Helping People Help the Land”

This position is on the NRCS Deputy Chief for Science and Technology’s Soil Health Division staff and is supervised by the Regional Soil Health Team Leader. The purpose of the new Soil Health Division is to incentivize and facilitate producers in implementing science-based, effective, economically viable soil health management systems on the nation’s diverse agricultural lands, in collaboration with partner organizations. Key goals of the Soil Health Division include providing advanced training to diverse audiences, and facilitating soil health assessment, farm/ranch scale soil health management planning adapted to local conditions, and assistance for on-the-ground implementation of soil health management systems.
Incumbent serves as a Regional Soil Health Specialist to lead strategies and priorities by providing technical assistance to NRCS personnel, landowners, conservation partners, and other interested parties in all phases of Soil Health (SH). This position will work with all members of the Soil Health Division and NRCS technical experts to help provide guidance and direction to the Regional Soil Health Team Leader, the other Regional Soil Health Specialists, and technical support to the states’ SH points of contact. Primary duties include developing and delivering SH training to NRCS personnel, partners, and customers within the Region, as well as providing SH technical support to states within their region. Assigned duties are on a regional basis and within the Division.
The incumbent serves as a Regional Specialist for SH activities associated with all agricultural land uses and works closely with other members of NHQ, NTSCs, State Offices, other USDA agencies, land grant universities, partnership staff, and the private sector to identify issues, research solutions, and provide training and assistance to field staff on appropriate needs. The incumbent remains current on the latest technology related to SH and helps ensure the incorporation of that technology into NRCS technical guidance and materials. The incumbent works on a regional basis with other partners, producer groups, and others with similar interests. The incumbent works across NRCS (especially Soil Science and Resource Assessment Deputy Area), with other members of the SH Division, partners, and producers to incorporate SH benefits and activities into resource management systems activities and programs throughout the Region.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

  • 50% or Greater
  • This position requires the incumbent to travel outside of the duty location approximately 50% of the time or more.

RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

  • Yes
  • Relocation expenses will be paid.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • A 1-year probationary period is required.
  • Valid state driver's license is required

DUTIES:

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
The duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • As the Regional SH Technical Specialist, the incumbent will be proactive in all issues related to SH within the Region on all agricultural land uses.
  • Ensures that training is provided as need to keep the staff technically proficient and up-to-date on all SH technology, issues, and concerns.
  • Training of NRCS, partners, and producers within the Region concerning SH.
  • Works with state NRCS technical staffs through proper channels to ensure that the States have accurate and appropriate technical information concerning SH for use in the Field Office Technical Guides.
  • Analyzes and comments on proposed and current SH policies, procedures and technical standards regarding conservation SH management systems and environmental issues; and makes recommendations for transferring SH technology to the States.
  • Promotes and educates NRCS personnel, partners, producers, agriculture industry sectors, and the general public on the benefits of SH by giving expert-level presentations at meetings, symposia, field days, etc.
  • Facilitates the integration of SH standards and specifications in all phases of conservation planning and program activities.
  • Works closely with all NRCS entities to incorporate and prioritize SH in all Farm Bill programs.
  • Will stay current on the latest technology for SH and aids in incorporating appropriate applied technology into NRCS technical material and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience as defined below, etc.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

FOR THE GS-454 SERIES:
A. Degree: range management; or a related discipline that included at least 42 semester hours in a combination of the plant, animal, and soil sciences, and natural resources management, as follows:
oRange Management -- At least 18 semester hours of course work in range management, including courses in such areas as basic principles of range management, range plants, range ecology, range inventories and studies, range improvements, and ranch or rangeland planning.
oDirectly Related Plant, Animal, and Soil Sciences -- At least 15 semester hours of directly related courses in the plant, animal, and soil sciences, including at least one course in each of these three scientific areas, i.e., plant, animal, and soil sciences. Courses in such areas as plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, animal nutrition, livestock production, and soil morphology or soil classification are acceptable.
oRelated Resource Management Studies -- At least 9 semester hours of course work in related resource management subjects, including courses in such areas as wildlife management, watershed management, natural resource or agricultural economics, forestry, agronomy, forages, and outdoor recreation management.
OR
B.Combination of education and experience: at least 42 semester hours of course work in the combination of plant, animal, and soil sciences and natural resources management shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-457 SERIES:
A. 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
B. Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown in A above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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-470 SERIES:
A. Degree: 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, soil fertility, and soil microbiology.
Or
B. 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. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-471 SERIES:
A. Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
•Experience incorporating agronomic, rangeland, and/or soil management technologies for enhancing soil health into training material.
•Experience in conservation management and systems for a given land use.
•Experience with writing and oral communications, in order to effectively communicate with a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences who may have competing interests or differing points of view.
•Experience contributing to technical standards, and correctly conveying highly technical material to non-technical audiences. (Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.)

FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
•Experience incorporating agronomic, rangeland, and/or soil management technologies for enhancing soil health, and practice effects on soil organic carbon, soil nutrient cycling, soil microbial ecology, and/or soil biological/physical/chemical properties, into training materials.
•Experience conducting training needs surveys, and analyzing data in order to define training needs for moderately complex work.
•Experience in conservation management and systems for a variety of land uses.
•Experience with writing and oral communications in order to effectively communicate with a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences who may have competing interests or differing points of view.
•Experience such as writing of technical standards and advocating for complex soil health issues.Ability to correctly convey highly technical material to non-technical audiences. (Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.)

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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. For more information on submitting transcripts, click: Transcripts

Special Conditions:
•As a condition of employment, satisfactory completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check may be required for this position.
•Successful completion of a one-year probationary or trial period (if new hire to the Federal service).
•This position is designated a public trust position and is subject to satisfactory completion and favorable adjudication of initial background investigation and reinvestigation as a condition of employment.
•This position may be eligible for telework.
•Valid state driver's license is required at the time of application.
•Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee’s duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.
•This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series/position titles listed. In addition to the specialized experience requirements, applicants must submit proof that they meet the educational requirements for at least one of the series described in the announcement. Applicants may only be appointed to job series/position titles for which they meet all experience and educational requirements.
•Approximately one-half of the work is sedentary with occasional walking or bending. The other half consists of field assignments or training that requires considerable walking, climbing, digging or other physical exertion.
•Field assignments may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants’ quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (or competencies):

  • Knowledge of agronomy, rangeland science, and/or soil science theories, principles, concepts, practices, standards, and methodologies.
  • Knowledge of natural resource conservation programs.
  • Ability to develop and implement conservation plans and practices.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with others orally and in writing.

The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job, and will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. Your ratings in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit.
Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Attempts to falsify information; inflate your qualifications or providing inaccurate information on federal documents may be grounds to adjust your rating or to not select you. Errors, omissions or providing inaccurate information on federal documents may affect your eligibility. If selected providing inaccurate information on federal documents could also be grounds for dismissing you from the position/agency. Please follow all instructions carefully.
To view the application form, visit:

BENEFITS:

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at:

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan(CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide proof of eligibility to include your most recent performance appraisal, SF-50, and proof of eligibility such as a RIF separation notice or letter from OPM/your agency. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of85 or above. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at <
  • This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
  • This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
  • It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. See more information at:

HOW TO APPLY:

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin.
The following instructions outline our application process.

  • You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
  • We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
  • This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact us if you are requesting this.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not have one) at It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.

Step 2: Create a resume with USAJOBS or upload a resume into your USAJOBS account. Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement).