About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) South Carolina. This position will serve as the Resource Soil Scientist, responsible for maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; conducting information and education activities related to soils and soil survey, and providing training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists.
QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Basic Education Requirement: GS-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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement GS-11 Level: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) Providing direct technical soil support to field offices by delivering resource soil scientist services, processing Farm Bill program assessments, and collaborating with soil survey offices on the maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; AND (2) Delivering soil information and training activities such as conducting educational/soil information outreach and providing technical training to employees and other technical specialists. OR Education at the GS-11 grade level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as soil science or a closely related discipline. 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. OR Specialized Experience for the GS-12 level: 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. This experience must include: (1)Providing technical advice and communication support, serving as a resource for project partners, landowners, and internal staff on matters related to soil health, land use, and conservation practices; and (2) Utilizing advanced geospatial tools including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and digital or satellite imagery to analyze land-use patterns and soil properties. 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. Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesProvides technical expertise in the application of Farm Bill programs.Provides leadership and guidance to field offices and assists during the program signup and application periods.Serves as a technical soil specialist for highly erodible land, wetland conservation, and conservation compliance.Makes wetland determinations following procedures outlined in the Wetland Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).Conducts on-site soil investigations.Plans, develops and provides training in soil science and the use of soil survey information to NRCS and non-NRCS audiences.Test and evaluate new technologies such as the soil quality test kit and soil conditioning index, and makes recommendations regarding applicability in the field.Utilize GIS and GPS technology and trains others in its appropriate use in the field.RequirementsYou 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 may be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are unable to reimburse for any fees incurred. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period depending on your appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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.gov.