Natural Resource Specialist

Please make sure applications are submitted through the announcement on USAJobs.

Locations will be negotiable within the states of Nebraska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Iowa, Kansas & Indiana only. Applicants interested in duty locations not specifically listed on the announcement are encouraged to communicate location availability during the interview stage.

Located within the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the incumbent will perform a variety of duties related to carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation programs.

Duties

• Assist higher-level specialist with conducting long and short-term scientific studies and investigation on the use of soils, water, vegetation, wildlife, and other natural resources as part of the land management and natural resources program.
• Assist the District conservationist with coordinating surveys, performs monitoring, compiles/analyzes biological data, and prepares reports using statistical inference where applicable.
• Assists in the development, coordination and initiation of all recreational and management aspects of recreational programs to include: preparing regulations, letters of instruction and news releases; collecting population, biological data, etc.
• Provides input to the district Conservationist on balancing competing public and private goals for recreational development, commercial development, and natural resource preservation.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. There are different experience requirements for each grade level.

Basic Education Requirement:

Degree: Bachelor's degree that included a major field of study in 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 in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related discipline that includes at least 24 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines shown above, plus appropriate experience or education comparable to a 4 year degree.

For the GS-05 grade level:
Applicants who meet the basic requirements described above are qualified for the specified entry grade GS-5.

For the GS-07 grade level:
To qualify for the GS-07 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or higher in the Federal service (or private sector equivalent). Examples of specialized experience include:

• Conducting studies using fact-finding and evaluation techniques; or
• Analyzing data associated with environmental studies.

OR
Superior Academic Achievement in a bachelor's degree curriculum directly related to the work of the position. To qualify for superior academic achievement, you must have ONE of the following:

(1) Class Standing - You must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR
(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - You must have a grade-point average of either

• (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
• (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR

(3) Honor Society Membership - You may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/). (NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts and/or verification of class standing for further verification.)

OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Possess one year of graduate level education in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.

For the GS-09 grade level:
To qualify for the GS-09 grade level, you must possess at least one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher in the Federal service (or private sector equivalent). Examples of specialized experience include:

• Conducting studies using fact-finding and evaluation techniques;
• Analyzing data associated with environmental studies; AND
• Developing informational/educational programs, flyers, or handouts to inform the general public on conservation efforts of an organization.

OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: possess 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts).

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series 0401 (opm.gov)

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.