SOIL CONSERVATIONIST (AREA PROGRAM SPECIALIST)
What you'd do
This position is located in the Regional, Area, or State Offices of the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS). This position provides assistance in the administration of all NRCS programs within the area, with specific assistance in the EQIP, CSTP, WHIP, GRP, WRP, CRP and CSPprograms including quality assurance, progress reporting, maintenance of manuals and handbooks, training, and database maintenance. Provides leadership and support in Farm Bill Program contracting.
Major duties
Provides for the coordination, organization and leadership of Farm Bill Conservation Programs at the Area and Field office levels. Reviews program case file documentation, contracts, conservation plans and letters for content to ensure accuracy and adherence to program policies. Maintains database on contract applications, rankings, funding levels, and new contracts with obligated funds. Communicates with the offices to assist with problems regarding eligibility and completes documentation required for contracts to be funded. Identifies training needs for field personnel on program related subjects. Prepares training materials and provides training as needed and as assigned. Works with area level staff to schedule and complete all aspects of the program portion of the field office Quality Assurance reviews.
What you need to qualify
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Basic Requirement: GS-0457: 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 in A above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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 the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education listed below. Must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized Experience Requirement For the GS-12 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 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. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
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