Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)

Natural Resources Conservation Service•De Kalb, MS

About The Position

The Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) assists the Conservation Districts within a managerial unit of at least one county or district in developing a comprehensive natural resources conservation program. The incumbent performs professional duties to establish an integrated system of sound land use and conservation treatment suited to the capability and needs of the land and landowner. This is a supervisory position involving supervision of Federal employees in field offices and liaison with state and district employees. The incumbent works with landowners to develop detailed conservation systems and implement practices, including design, layout, construction, inspection, and certification. The position includes management, operation, and maintenance of planned conservation systems and practices according to Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The incumbent informs landowners about technical and financial assistance, including oversight, management, and administration of Farm Bill programs. The position provides leadership in natural resource conservation planning in cooperation with Conservation Districts, tribes, and conservation partners. It coordinates interagency conservation assistance to private landowners and others, and partners with conservation entities to support long-term conservation delivery by local, state, and federal governments. The role also includes independently ensuring the quality and quantity of work and reviewing the work of subordinates. Employment is subject to citizenship and other federal hiring conditions, background investigation, E-Verify, direct deposit, and a one-year probationary period. The incumbent must maintain a valid state driver's license and obtain a Conservation Planning Certification. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. The position is non-bargaining-unit.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Successfully pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check and E-Verify employment verification.
Serve a one-year probationary period; supervisory/managerial probation may also apply unless prior service is creditable.
New FPAC supervisors must complete required training before the end of the probationary period.
Possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the vehicle type operated.
Obtain a Conservation Planning Certification under General Manual 180 Part 409.3.
Meet the GS-0457 basic education requirement: a degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline, with specified coursework; alternatively, qualifying education and experience may be combined.
For GS-11, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 or higher, or qualifying graduate education, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
GS-11 specialized experience must include knowledge of soil and water conservation principles and related sciences in identifying conservation problems; examples include technical guidance, preparing conservation or resource management plans, assistance with implementation or financing, and communicating conservation issues and solutions.
If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts meeting the stated documentation requirements.
Current GS employees applying for promotion must meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Assist Conservation Districts in developing a comprehensive natural resources conservation program.
Perform professional duties to promote sound land use and conservation treatment suited to land capability and landowner needs.
Supervise Federal employees in field offices and serve as liaison between state and district employees.
Independently ensure the quality and quantity of work and review the work of subordinates.
Work with landowners to develop conservation systems and implement practices, including design, layout, construction, inspection, and certification.
Manage, operate, and maintain conservation systems and practices in accordance with Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications and applicable regulations.
Inform and educate landowners about technical and financial conservation assistance, including administration and oversight of Farm Bill programs.
Lead conservation planning with Conservation Districts, tribes, and conservation partners to address natural resource concerns on private lands.
Coordinate interagency delivery of conservation assistance to private landowners and others.
Partner with conservation entities to support long-term conservation delivery and help landowners and communities conserve natural resources.