Job Summary

This position is on the Leadership Team of the State Conservationist (STC) in Nebraska State office, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). As the State Resource Conservationist, formulating, recommending, and Implementing policy and procedures applicable to resource conservation planning activities and various program activities, and performs an active role in developing and implementing a comprehensive soil, water, and resource conservation program for the state.

Job Description

Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level.). All applicants must meet all qualifications such as the education requirement, the specialized experience requirement and the time in grade requirements listed below by the closing date of the announcement. Basic Education Requirement: Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in 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. In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered: Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. The experience must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Providing Technical leadership to carry out various types of complex natural resource conservation programs; providing direction to landowners and operators, individually and in groups to develop a variety of conservation plans; Representing the agency on county committees and/or task forces and at conservation district meetings and serves as an adviser to district committees; Provides expertise in program management, training and quality control for NRCS Farm Bill Programs, which may include the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Agricultural Land Easement Program Conservation Stewardship Program, as well as Agricultural Management Assistance, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), and other programs as they are legislated to the technical and field offices; Conducting area reviews; and, providing training to the field staff for technical practices Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute toward meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant sciences course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work. Experience Note: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.