SOIL CONSERVATIONIST (STATE PROGRAM SPECIALIST)

The Soil Conservationist (State Program Specialist) at the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Gainesville, FL, coordinates and supports the implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs. Responsibilities include interpreting policies, providing technical assistance, managing program rankings and payments, conducting staff training, and analyzing program data. The role ensures conservation efforts align with national standards and local needs, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection.
About the position

The Soil Conservationist (State Program Specialist) position within the Department of Agriculture plays a crucial role in guiding the implementation of various programs of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) throughout the state. This position is responsible for coordinating, supporting, and executing Farm Bill conservation programs, which are essential for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting natural resources. The incumbent will interpret program policies, develop and deliver program guidance to staff, and provide technical assistance related to the development of conservation activities for covered programs. Additionally, the role includes other responsibilities assigned to assist the functions of the state programs staff, ensuring that conservation efforts align with national standards and local needs. In this capacity, the Soil Conservationist will manage the ranking and payment development for Farm Bill Programs, providing leadership in the development, updating, and improvement of statewide conservation policies. This involves interpreting national policies related to Farm Bill program coordination and conducting training sessions for area and field office staff on current policies and procedures related to conservation program implementation. The position also requires performing analyses of Farm Bill program data to monitor progress and ensure that contract management goals are met. As the state program coordinator for the implementation of Farm Bill Programs, the Soil Conservationist will assist in any other conservation program-related duties as directed, contributing to the overall mission of the NRCS to enhance the quality of the environment and promote sustainable land use practices.

Responsibilities
• Coordinate and support the implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs.
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• Interpret program policies and develop guidance for staff.
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• Provide technical assistance related to conservation activities for covered programs.
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• Manage ranking and payment development for Farm Bill Programs.
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• Conduct training for area and field office staff on conservation program policies and procedures.
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• Analyze Farm Bill program data to monitor progress and ensure contract management goals are met.
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• Serve as the state program coordinator for the implementation of Farm Bill Programs.
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• Assist in other conservation program-related duties as directed.

Requirements
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
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• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
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• Basic education requirement: Degree in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline, including specific coursework in soils and crops or plant science.
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• Specialized experience for GS-11: At least one year of experience at the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service, including knowledge of soil and water conservation principles.
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• Specialized experience for GS-12: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in Federal service, including knowledge of conservation program implementation and development.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in developing conservation or resource management plans.
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• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
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• Experience in training and guiding staff on conservation practices.

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
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• Eligibility for relocation expense reimbursement.
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• Access to telework options as determined by agency policy.