Soil Conservationist - United States Department of Agriculture

HOW TO APPLY

Thank you for your interest in joining the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Pathways Program. To be considered for the position, follow these steps:

• Click “Apply” to be redirected to the USAJobs application portal.
• Once redirected, click “Apply” to complete the Assessment Questionnaire. Follow the step-by-step process to verify your eligibility. You must complete all sections of the form to successfully verify your eligibility.
• After completing the form, submit all required documents, including your resume, transcripts, proof of enrollment, and any other relevant materials electronically.

JOB DESCRIPTION

At the USDA, your career is more than just a job: It’s a pathway to growth, leadership, and purpose. As a soil conservationist, you will collaborate with landowners and conservation partners to develop innovative strategies that balance productive land use with protecting vital ecosystems. By conducting environmental assessments and implementing sustainable conservation issues, management practices, and land conservation initiatives, you will directly contribute to preserving our nation’s natural resources. Your efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring that our landscapes are well-prepared for future generations.

When you join the USDA, you’re not just contributing to soil management and geotechnical engineering efforts—you’re building a career with purpose. You will tackle complex conservation management challenges, work on high-impact projects, and gain the skills to lead within a mission-driven organization. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, USDA provides a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and your career is nurtured while you help secure a sustainable future for America’s land and soil conservation.

WHY THE USDA?

Do you want to work for a premier conservation agency whose mission is to "help people help the land"? The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), works in close partnership with farmers, ranchers, forest managers, nongovernmental organizations, local and state governments, and other federal agencies to create and maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.

As part of the USDA's new Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Mission Area, NRCS has 3,000 locations and covers every county in the United States. We help stewards of agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest lands plan and implement proven conservation systems through technical and financial assistance designed to enhance productivity, improve soil and water health, and restore wetlands and wildlife habitat.

We need people who are committed to action through public service—people who help ensure that all of us enjoy the benefits that come from a healthy environment and productive agriculture. Please consider joining us and helping to make a difference for generations to come.

SALARY LEVEL

• Salary for this position will vary depending on the assigned grade (GS-05 through GS-09) and locality. Locality pay adjustments will be applied based on the assigned duty station. USDA may also offer recruitment or relocation incentives, as well as the potential for Student Loan Repayment Program eligibility based on conversion to permanent status.

DUTIES

• Work with farmers and other landowners to develop conventional conservation plans addressing common resource concerns; provide information concerning Farm Bill and State Conservation Programs.
• Develop conservation contracts according to the NRCS Conservation Program Contracting Manual.
• Fully uses Toolkit/protracts programs in documenting and managing conservation plans and technical assistance by the service center.
• Conduct regular follow-up on all scheduled practices assigned and develop operation and maintenance agreements for all planned and contracted structural practices.
• Perform annual contract reviews on all assigned contracts to ensure that contract schedules are followed and practices are being maintained according to NRCS standards and specifications.
• Complete highly erodible land (HEL) and Wetland Determinations and annual Farm Service Agency (FSA) Compliance Checks for HEL and Wetlands.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or lawfully permitted to work in the United States as a permanent resident or authorized employee.
• Must be registered with Selective Service (if applicable).
• Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must successfully complete a one-year trial period.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Duty Location may change based upon training needs or upon conversion to competitive service.

EDUCATION

Applicants must have completed a degree from an accredited education institution. Fields of study relevant to this position include soil conservation, agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, agricultural engineering, or related discipline. Applicants must meet the following education requirements for the indicated GS levels:

• GS-05: Completion of a bachelor’s degree in soil conservation or a combination of education and experience.
• GS-07: Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or one year of graduate-level education in soil conservation or a related discipline.
• GS-09: Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in soil conservation or a directly related discipline.