Natural Resource Specialist/Soil Conservationist

The Natural Resource Specialist/Soil Conservationist position at the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Cochran, GA, involves assisting farmers and landowners with land conservation practices and programs, promoting Farm Bill Conservation Programs, and collaborating with various conservation entities. Responsibilities include training NRCS personnel, developing conservation plans, providing information on programs, conducting workshops, and managing program operations. This full-time role offers a salary range of $59,966 to $94,317.
About the position

As a Natural Resource Specialist/Soil Conservationist, this position provides essential assistance to farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in the development, planning, contracting, and application of land conservation practices and programs consistent with NRCS policy and procedures. The role is pivotal in promoting and implementing Farm Bill Conservation Programs aimed at protecting our nation's natural resources. The position is located in various locations across Georgia, including Cochran, Jesup, Lyons, McRae, Pearson, Springfield, and Valdosta, with a salary range of $59,966 to $94,317 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, permanent position with a promotion potential to GS-11. The Natural Resource Specialist will partner with other conservation entities to ensure a long-term commitment to the local, state, and federal government conservation delivery system. This role involves developing and maintaining effective liaisons with program officials, organizations, government agencies, and others interested in USDA programs. The specialist will also participate in training NRCS personnel through meetings, training conferences, and on-the-job training, preparing instructional and informational materials on program and conservation compliance. In addition, the specialist will work closely with farmers and landowners to develop conventional conservation plans that address resource concerns. They will provide information regarding the Farm Bill and State Conservation Programs and assist in administrative, fiscal, and technical responsibilities for a variety of Farm Bill and NRCS programs. The role also includes conducting environmental education and natural resource workshops, seminars, and fairs, providing technical and administrative guidance in the development of annual work plans, and maintaining efficient program operations related to traditional and urban conservation.

Responsibilities
• Assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners in developing and applying land conservation practices and programs.
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• Promote and implement Farm Bill Conservation Programs to protect natural resources.
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• Partner with conservation entities to support the conservation delivery system.
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• Develop and maintain effective liaisons with program officials and government agencies.
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• Participate in training NRCS personnel and prepare instructional materials.
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• Work with farmers to develop conservation plans addressing resource concerns.
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• Provide information on Farm Bill and State Conservation Programs.
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• Assist in administrative, fiscal, and technical responsibilities for NRCS programs.
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• Conduct environmental education workshops and seminars.
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• Provide technical guidance in developing annual work plans and maintaining program operations.

Requirements
• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
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• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
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• Successful completion of a one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
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• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
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• Degree in Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a 4-year degree.
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• Specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 level for GS-09 applicants, or GS-09 level for GS-11 applicants.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in conservation planning and implementation.
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• Knowledge of soil and water conservation principles and practices.
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• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners and stakeholders.

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
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• Access to a range of benefits designed to support federal careers.