Soil Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service • Elko, NV

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Field Operations division, Elko Field branch, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The incumbent will serve as a District Conservationist assisting the Conservation District(s) within the managerial unit, consisting of at least one county or district, in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program.

Requirements

• You 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.
• Probationary Period: Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable.
• 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.
• 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.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain a Conservation Planning Certification in accordance with the guidelines in General Manual 180 Part 409.3.
• 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.
• Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science; OR 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. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.
• Providing technical guidance, assistance and training in all phases and steps of the conservation planning process for a wide geographic region.
• Providing technical expertise in conservation planning and application, quality assurance, contracting, performance reporting, and implementation of associated technology tools.
• Identifying solutions and resolving matters involving conservation plans.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Independently provides leadership with 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.
• Contracting which will include informing the landowner of the participant responsibilities, joint agreements, establishing Conservation Program Contracts in Protracts, requirements of the contract file.
• Works in collaboration with landowner to provide detailed conservation system and practice implementation including conservation practice design, layout, construction, inspection and certification.
• Executes oversight, management and administration for all farm bill programs in accordance with the Conservation Program Manual.
• Responsible for supervision of federal employees located in a field office and liaison between the state and district employees.
• Partners with the state conservation partnership 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.

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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree