Research Soil Scientist

This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Great Basin Rangeland Research Unit in Reno, Nevada.

We are seeking a highly skilled Research Soil Scientist to join our team and contribute to improving management to sustainably provide a suite of ecosystem services from arid and semi-arid rangelands of the western US in the context of changing and variable climate and changing land use.

• Conduct research to reduce plant invasion, such as cheatgrass, into native rangeland plant communities.
• Perform land and vegetation restoration techniques to improve rangeland health.
• Conduct research to ascertain influences of weather and climate variability and topo edaphic variation.
• Determine the impacts of controlled fires and wildfires, and land and grazing animal management strategies.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education.

Basic Requirements for Soil Science Series 0470 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, and soil fertility.

OR 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience.

Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled.

The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are:

conducting research related soil dynamics, health, and erosion related to plant invasion, restoration techniques, wildfires, and land management strategies to improve production of forage for domestic grazing animals and wildlife;

and publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals;

presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings.

GS-13 Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled.

The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are:

conceiving, planning, and conducting research related to improving rangeland health through understanding the ecosystem services to reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, improve restoration, reduce invasive species, and reduce wildfire threats;

operating and maintaining analytical soil chemistry instruments;

processing macro and micro-nutrient data such as available soil carbon and nitrogen;

conducting statistical analysis using precision agriculture technologies;

and publishing research results as the primary author in peer-reviewed scientific journals;

presenting research findings at scientific conferences or academic meetings.

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.

To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation.

Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral.

Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications.

Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made.

Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education:

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Additional Information:

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible.

To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section.

When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 71 out of a possible 100.

Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized.

Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.

This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position.

This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential.

Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically.

The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology.

Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.