Soil Conservationist/agronomist

**Duties**:

- Provides technical leadership on agronomic phases of the conservation programs and assists on other vegetative and management practices; formulates and recommends policies and procedures with respect to assigned agronomic work.
- Develops agronomic techniques and standards for carrying out a program to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Provides guidance and training to field staff on soil erosion and other agronomic principles through use of tools and models.
- Assists with educational and information activities needed to further the agronomic, soil, and plant management phases of the soil and water conservation program.
- Represents the agency by collaborating with Agricultural Experiment Stations, Universities, the Agricultural Research Service, and other agencies in developing techniques, standards, and recommendations for treatment and use of agricultural lands.
- Leads the state in providing soil health training to NRCS staff, partner staff and producers. Coordinates the overall state soil health plan.

**Requirements**:
**Conditions of Employment**:

- 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. If selected, you will be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.
- 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.
- 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.

**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.
**_OR _**
- **0457 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. 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.
- **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-12 level**:You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service, that has equipped you with the necessary competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, examples of specialized experience include:

- Providing input on the analysis of difficult and complex agronomic problems;
- Providing technical guidance and assistance on topics such as soil interpretations, and plant, crop and soil management, soil erosion, sedimentation, and certified nutrient management plans;
- Expertise in the use of agronomy technology transfer tools

Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

**Education**:
**If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements**:
You must submit a copy of your transcripts to include course number, title, completion and grade. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If a relevan