Summary This position is located in the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), State Conservationist Office. The State Conservationist is responsible for overseeing the provision of state-wide soil, water, and natural resource conservation stewardship including establishment of state-specific policy, standards, practices and procedures to address and resolve natural resource concerns. Responsibilities Defines clear performance goals and objectives aligned with agency direction and program mission. Supervises the work of area and field office staff, including up to 100 administrative, technical and supervisory staff. Ensures conservationists and engineers utilize current science-based tools and incorporate innovative technology into conservation practice standards and business tools. Service programs with other Federal agencies, State and local government officials, public and private agencies, and other groups and individuals. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level. Basic Education Requirement: 0401 Series Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 0801Series Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree be in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) http://main.abet.org/aps/accreditedprogramsearch.aspx; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR Combination of Education and Experience: college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional registration or licensure Written Test Specified academic courses Related curriculum For more detailed information on the 800 series please click Individual Occupational Requirements for Professional Engineering Positions. Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-14 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include: Defines clear performance goals and objectives aligned with agency direction and program mission; AND Establishes standard operating procedures (SOP's) for critical operations that includes clear assignment of roles and responsibilities, timelines and resources required; AND Oversees analyses of conservation problems and formulation of technically balanced programs and plans of action to resolve problems; AND Coordinates activities and resolves issues with area technical staff related to soil erosion, water quality, conservation operations, watershed flood prevention and protection, soil survey implementation, agricultural waste management, natural resources inventory, municipal, industrial and agricultural water supply and other environmental soil and water conservation concerns. Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-15 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include: Revises existing conservation practice standards, activities, and technical guidance to incorporate new or emerging technologies and methods and to remove obsolete criteria and considerations; AND Through partnerships, apply principles of natural and social sciences to coordinate conservation strategies, expand frameworks, and adapt or establish new protocols for addressing diverse natural resource challenges; AND Responsible for coordinating appropriate activities and issues with State technical staff as it relates to conservation practices; AND Develops and establishes guidelines for State-specific strategic planning implementation which results in the establishment of immediate and long-range objectives. 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. Education Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-14/15 levels. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-ADMIN Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Locality Pay: The salary for each location may vary depending on geographically defined locality pay areas. Locality tables may be found at Office of Personnel Management Salaries and Wages. COLA: In addition to salary, compensation also includes a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is not subject to Federal Income tax & is not calculated as salary for retirement. This allowance is to offset the cost of goods and services, housing, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. For more information, visit OPM's website. Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report. Physical Demands: The work is mostly sedentary, some walking, standing, and carrying of light items outdoors and across uneven terrain may be necessary at times. The work does not require any special physical effort. Work Environment: Performs duties in a safe and healthy work environment. The incumbent is required to exercise caution and maintain all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, machinery, extreme temperatures and wildlife. Telework: This position is not eligible for telework. Incentives: Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. Bargaining Unit: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
