Become a District Conservationist: Shaping the Future of American Agriculture
Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability? The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the USDA, is hiring a District Conservationist in Salem, Ohio. This leadership role is perfect for those committed to the agency's core mission: "helping people help the land."
Job Responsibilities
As a District Conservationist, you are the face of the agency in the local community. Your key duties include:
- Managing agricultural resource programs and formulating conservation plans.
- Providing expert guidance on soil interpretations, erosion control, and invasive species management.
- Supervising federal staff and liaising between state and district partners.
- Overseeing the execution of Farm Bill programs to ensure compliance.
- Leading coordinated efforts with local, state, and tribal entities to address regional conservation concerns.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Meet the educational standards: A degree in a relevant agricultural or natural resource discipline with 30 semester hours in the field (including 12 hours of soil/crop/plant science).
- Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Successfully complete a background check and a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary based on the GS-12 pay scale:
| Pay Period | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Annual | $93,461 - $121,502 |
In addition to the salary, employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Mind the Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will be removed from consideration.
- Documentation Matters: Ensure your college transcripts clearly display your course hours. If your course titles are ambiguous, include a syllabus.
- Assessment Window: Do not miss your unique link for the USA Hire assessment; it is a critical step in the hiring process.
If you want to play a central role in preserving our natural resources for future generations, this position with the NRCS offers the challenge and the rewards you are looking for. Apply by the closing date to join a team dedicated to land stewardship and public service.
Why This Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) Job Matters
Transform landscapes and lead conservation efforts in Ohio—join the NRCS as a District Conservationist and make a lasting impact on our natural resources.
Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) Job Overview
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) in Salem, Ohio. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development of comprehensive natural resource programs, provide expert technical guidance to private landowners, and manage field office operations. This is a unique opportunity to partner with farmers, ranchers, and local agencies to enhance soil health, water quality, and habitat productivity.
Requirements for Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must be registered for Selective Service (if male born after 12/31/1959).
- Successfully pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Completion of a 1-year supervisory/managerial probationary period.
- Possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
- Must obtain Conservation Planning Certification per agency guidelines.
- Completion of required FPAC supervisor training.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification.
Preferred Qualifications for Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)
- Degree in soil conservation, agronomy, soil science, forestry, or related natural resource discipline.
- At least 30 semester hours in natural resources or agricultural fields, including 12 hours in soils/crops or plant science.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to manage workloads and develop annual business plans.
- Experience providing technical guidance on erosion control, livestock management, and water quality improvements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary Structure
- âś“Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- âś“Federal Retirement Program and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- âś“Paid Federal Holidays and Leave Programs
- âś“Flexible Telework Opportunities
- âś“Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
đź’ˇ How to Apply Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist) Job
- Review the full job announcement and ensure you meet all requirements.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Click the Apply button and complete the required questionnaires.
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within the provided timeframe.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, JPG, DOC, etc.).
- Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to track status updates.
- Highlight specific experience in soil conservation or related sciences to match the specialized experience requirements.
- Review your application status frequently via the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of a District Conservationist?
You will lead conservation planning, manage field office staff, and act as a liaison between the NRCS and local, state, and federal partners to improve natural resource health.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, some travel is involved. Additionally, the role includes physical demands such as walking on rough, uneven terrain and working near farm machinery.
Are transcripts mandatory?
If you are using education to qualify, unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application phase, but official transcripts will be required upon selection.
Job from Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a world leader in conservation. As part of the USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission, we operate in 3,000 locations across the United States. We work hand-in-hand with farmers, ranchers, and private forest owners to implement science-based conservation systems that protect our soil, water, and wildlife.