Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)

Natural Resources Conservation Service • De Kalb, MS

2d

About The Position

The Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) assists Conservation Districts within a managerial unit of at least one county or district in developing comprehensive natural resources conservation programs. The position performs professional duties to promote sound land use and conservation treatment suited to the capability and needs of the land and landowner. It includes direct supervision of Federal employees in field offices and liaison work between state and district employees.

The incumbent collaborates with landowners to develop detailed conservation systems and implement practices, including design, layout, construction, inspection, certification, and ongoing management and maintenance. Work must follow Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications and comply with 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 with Conservation Districts, tribes, and other partners; coordinates interagency assistance to private landowners; and works with conservation entities to support long-term conservation delivery for landowners and communities. The incumbent must obtain a Conservation Planning Certification and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for vehicles used in the role. The position is subject to a one-year probationary period, including a supervisory/managerial probationary period as applicable.

Requirements

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Meet the GS-0457 basic education requirement: a degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural-resource discipline with the specified coursework, or the stated combination of education and experience.
• For GS-11, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 or higher, or qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• Specialized experience must include knowledge of soil and water conservation principles and related sciences, and may include providing technical guidance, preparing conservation or resource-management plans, assisting with implementation or financial support, and communicating conservation issues and solutions.
• Current federal GS employees applying for promotion must meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement at the next lower grade by the announcement closing date.
• Pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check and continuous vetting; pass E-Verify.
• Serve the required one-year probationary period and, where applicable, one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period; new FPAC supervisors must complete required training before the probationary period ends.
• Maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicles operated for the position.
• Obtain a Conservation Planning Certification under the applicable guidelines.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Federal employees located in field offices and serve as a liaison between state and district employees.
• Independently ensure the quality and quantity of work and review the work of subordinates.
• Collaborate with landowners to develop conservation systems and implement practices, including design, layout, construction, inspection, and certification.
• Support management, operation, and maintenance of conservation systems and practices according to Field Office Technical Guide standards and applicable regulations.
• Inform and educate landowners about conservation technical and financial assistance, including Farm Bill programs.
• Provide leadership in natural-resource conservation planning with Conservation Districts, tribes, and conservation partners.
• Coordinate interagency delivery of conservation assistance to private landowners and others.
• Partner with conservation entities to support long-term conservation delivery for landowners, communities, and others.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type.
• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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