Natural Resource Specialist/Soil Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Delta Junction, AK

2d

About The Position

This position is with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Production and Conservation Natural Resources Conservation Service. It provides technical and financial assistance to landowners and operators to implement natural resource conservation practices. The role supports conservation planning and program delivery, field and state office operations, partnership agreements, and outreach for Farm Bill programs. The position may be filled in the GS-0401 or GS-0457 job series at the GS-09 or GS-11 level.

The work includes office duties and frequent field assignments at remote project sites in Alaska. Field assignments may involve rugged terrain, severe weather, wildlife, unconventional transportation, and challenging or limited accommodations. Firearms certification and safety qualifications are conditions of appointment.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest.
• 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 type(s) used in the position.
• Submit to pre-employment or pre-assignment urinalysis and ongoing drug testing as directed.
• Meet initial and continuing firearm qualifications, including compliance with 18 U.S.C. 922(g) and (n) and National Rifle Association shotgun safety and handling certification.
• Pass an annual bear safety and firearms-handling course and be legally able to carry a firearm.
• Meet the applicable basic education requirement for the GS-0401 or GS-0457 series. GS-0401 requires a relevant bachelor's degree or qualifying combination of coursework and experience. GS-0457 requires a soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline, including specified coursework in soils and crops or plant science, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, qualifying graduate education, or an eligible combination. Relevant experience includes assisting with resource conservation planning, contracting, and conservation management systems, or developing soil, water, and resource conservation plans.
• For GS-11, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying doctoral-level graduate education, or an eligible combination. Relevant experience includes applying soil and water conservation and related science; providing technical guidance on conservation topics; preparing plans and providing financial or implementation assistance; and explaining conservation issues and solutions to landowners, residents, or land managers.
• Current Federal employees applying for promotion must meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.
• Submit transcripts and any required education or foreign-education documentation if qualifying based on education.

Responsibilities

• Provide training, guidance, and technical oversight for administration of producer-level Farm Bill financial and technical assistance.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Federal, state, local, and private agencies, groups, and individuals at the field and area level.
• Review and monitor partnership cooperative and/or contribution agreements and competitive technical assistance contracts.
• Analyze and evaluate environmental conditions and proposed natural resource management actions that change habitat conditions, and inspect activities for compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support field staff by applying Field Office operational procedures to management, operational, monitoring, and training activities that advance conservation goals.
• Provide leadership and guidance on planning processes, guidelines, procedures, and policies to support state-level specialists in developing and reviewing complex plans and reports.
• Respond to inquiries, coordinate with internal and external partners, and contribute to team tasks to support efficient office operations.
• Assist field and state office staff in marketing Farm Bill programs throughout the state.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA), which is not subject to Federal income tax and is not calculated as salary for retirement.
• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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