Conservation Specialist

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Soil Conservationist to join our team at the Natural Resources Conservation Service. As a key member of our staff, you will play a vital role in developing and implementing comprehensive natural resource conservation programs in Vermont.

About the Role:

This position is located in a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state, area, or field office within Vermont. You will serve as the District Conservationist and provide assistance to the Conservation District(s) within the managerial unit, consisting of one or more counties or districts, in the development of a comprehensive natural resource conservation program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

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• Serves as a Soil Conservationist responsible for the overall management of agricultural resources, the formulation and implementation of soil and water conservation plans.">
• Works in collaboration with landowners to provide detailed conservation system and practice implementation, including conservation practice design, layout, construction, inspection, and certification.">
• Manages, operates, and maintains the planned conservation system and practices according to the Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications as well as complies with all federal, state, and local regulations.">
• Informs and educates the landowner of conservation technical assistance and financial assistance to consider for conservation system and practice implementation, including oversight, management, and administration for Farm Bill programs.">
• Provides leadership on conservation planning of natural resources and other activities in cooperation with the Conservation District, tribes, and conservation partners to address resource concerns on private lands.">
• Cordinates interagency delivery of conservation assistance to private landowners and others to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the state's natural resources.">
• PARTners with other conservation entities to provide long-term commitment to the local, state, and federal government conservation delivery system to help private landowners, communities, and others conserve natural resources within the state.">
• Responsible for supervision of federal employees located in multiple field offices and liaison between state and district employees.">
• Ensures quality and quantity of work, reviews the work of subordinates, and accepts, revises, or rejects work.">
• Sets performance standards and evaluates the performance of subordinates.">

Requirements:

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• You must be a US citizen or US national.">
• Males born after December 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 that we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.">
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.">
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.">
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.">
• 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.">
• The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain Conservation Planning Certification in accordance with the guidelines in General Manual 180 Part 409.3.">

Qualifications:

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• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.">
• Basic Education Requirement: Degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.">
• 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.">
• 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.">
• 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.">

Salary: The estimated annual salary for this position is $62,000-$80,000, depending on experience.

Location: This position is located in Vermont.

Benefits:

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and many more.

How to Apply:

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by the closing date of this announcement.

Contact Information:

Valerie Moses

Natural Resources Conservation Service

1400 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20250

US