Interdisciplinary Natural Resource Specialist/Soil Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Covington, IN

4d

About The Position

This position is with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana. The incumbent serves as a Soil Conservationist and/or Natural Resources Specialist under the supervision of the District Conservationist, providing leadership and guidance in implementing Farm Bill programs. The role supports field and area staff with program marketing and delivery, program operations, financial assistance documentation, and coordination with State Office specialists and partner organizations.

The position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy. Work is usually performed in an office setting, with occasional field-site exposure. Work is generally sedentary, though some walking, standing, bending, climbing, and driving may be required. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

Requirements

• Meet the basic education or education-and-experience requirements for the applicable GS-0401 or GS-0457 series.
• For GS-0401, have a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related discipline, or equivalent coursework combined with appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-0457, have the specified soil conservation or related agricultural/natural resource education, including required semester hours in natural resource or agricultural fields and in soils and crops or plant science, or the qualifying education-and-experience combination.
• For GS-9, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination. Examples of experience include assisting with soil, water, and resource conservation programs; providing guidance on conservation program policies and implementation; or assisting conservation organizations, landowners, or conservation members.
• For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, qualifying doctoral-level graduate education, or an acceptable combination. Examples include advising conservation organizations, landowners, or conservation district members; marketing conservation programs; reviewing contracts; developing and implementing conservation programs; and maintaining agency and partner relationships.
• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and remain subject to continuous vetting.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, depending on appointment type, unless prior federal service is creditable.
• Use direct deposit for federal payments and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the vehicle types used in the position.
• Obtain a Conservation Planning Certification in accordance with General Manual 180 Part 409.3.
• Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education; foreign education must meet the stated verification and translation requirements.
• If a current federal GS employee applying for a promotion, meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Assist field and area staff in marketing Farm Bill programs, including supporting press releases, field tours, and presentations at meetings.
• Provide leadership, technical expertise, guidance, program management, training, and quality control for Protracts, payment processing, and the Performance Results System for Farm Bill programs.
• Serve as the contact for State Office program specialists to ensure relevant information is provided accurately and promptly to field staff.
• Ensure financial assistance program documentation and reports are accurate and comply with technical standards and administrative policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Federal, state, local, and private agencies, groups, and individuals at the field and area level.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level