Natural Resources Conservation Service Logo
Position Title
SOIL SCIENTIST (RECENT GRADUATE)
Agency
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Announcement Number
NRCS-23-11842808-RG-SS-CM Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 to Tuesday, March 14, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a recent graduate who has, within the previous two years, completed a qualifying Associate's, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, professional, vocational or technical degree or certificate program? OR,

Are you a veteran who was unable to apply within two years of receiving your qualifying degree or certificate (associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctoral, or vocational/technical degree or certificate) due to military service obligation AND are you within six years from the date the degree or certificate was completed?

For more information, review USAJOBS Student and Recent Graduate resources.

 
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Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Please respond to the following questions. Any experience claimed in response to the questions MUST be supported by information in your resume. This information must be SPECIFIC, (i.e., duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments). Failure to provide supporting documentation may result in an ineligible rating. (limit characters)
1. Are you a Recent Grad that has completed all the requirements for an academic course of study leading to a qualifying degree from an accredited educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx.) For more information, review USAJOBS Student and Recent Graduate (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/) resources.
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2. From the descriptions below, please select the option that BEST describes how you meet the basic education or experience to qualify for the Soil Scientist position. You will be required to provide transcripts with your application to validate that you meet degree/coursework requirements.
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3. Please select one response that best describes the highest level of experience and/or education you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Soil Scientist at the GS-7 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. SELECT ONLY ONE LETTER. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour work week. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)
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4. Please select one response that best describes the highest level of experience and/or education you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Soil Scientist at the GS-9 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. SELECT ONLY ONE LETTER. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour work week. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)
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5. Writes technical and non-technical materials dealing with soils and the soil survey and assists in the development of soil surveys publications and reports.
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6. Determines and applies the most appropriate principles, practices, and methods to apply plant species identification.
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7. Collects production estimates for crops, trees, and grasses and develop other information for ecological site descriptions.
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8. Statistically analyzes data and correlates new map units which are coordinated on an MLRA (geographic) basis to provide more accurate interpretations for soil management.
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9. Tests and validates data for the survey area and updates computer databases of the National Soil Information System (NASIS).
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10. Examines property and performance information to identify and correct errors and gaps in data.
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11. Records soil data on digital or hard copy aerial photographs.
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12. Examines existing soils geospatial information using geospatial technologies to identify areas where soil types and landscapes are not correctly associated.
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13. Identifies and acquires the appropriate special data layers necessary to create and maintain a soils map digitally.
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14. Assists the MLRA Soil Survey Leader to develop soil- landscape predictive models.
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15. Utilizes geospatial technologies to manipulate digital and analog geospatial data such as soil survey and soil investigations, climate, vegetation, geology, land use, and topography, and to examine, tentatively identify, and delineate areas of different kinds of soils.
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16. Uses soil-landscape relationships to systematically map and describe the way soils occur in the landscape.
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17. Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Submitting false information or attempts to falsify information may be grounds for disqualifying you or for terminating you after you have been hired. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy
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