USA Staffing

1. In this part, you will be asked about your education or experience in meeting the basic qualifications or the GS-457 series. Please read all responses prior to making your selection, then select the answer that accurately reflects your qualifications:

A. I have a degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.

B. I possess a combination of education and experience of at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or education comparable to a 4 year degree. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.

C. None of the above.

2. In addition to meeting the basic educational requirement, you must also meet specialized experience requirements. Please select one response from the choices shown below that corresponds to the level of specialized experience you fully possess to qualify at the GS-9 level. Your resume must contain evidence to support your responses.

A. I possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level or higher in the Federal service (or private sector equivalent) demonstrating experience and knowledge of the application of the principles, concepts and methodology associated with natural resources. For this position specialized experience is defined as experience independently providing technical advice to address soil and water resource concerns and implement conservation planning. Examples of specialized experience include: Demonstrating experience applying conventional and established conservation methods and techniques to maintain or improve production while conserving soil and water resources. Developing natural resource conservation plans for land owners, conservation groups or units of local government involving a variety of soil patterns and conservation practices such as contours, terraces, tilling, diversions, etc. Identification and inventory of natural resources by obtaining physical data on multiple land uses such as crop history, soil erosion data, drainage characteristics, field arrangement, problem areas, land use data, and conservation practices present. Assisting in the evaluation of onsite urban, rural, or wetland conservation needs and applying land treatment measures including the installation of erosion and water control practices.

B. I possess two 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.

C. I possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.

D. I do not have the experience and/or education described in the above statements at this time.

3. In addition to meeting the basic educational requirement, you must also meet specialized experience requirements. Please select one response from the choices shown below that corresponds to the level of specialized experience you fully possess to qualify at the GS-11 level.. Your resume must contain evidence to support your responses.

A. I possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. This experience includes knowledge of the principles and theories of soil and water conservation and related sciences such as biology, agronomy, and forestry, in identifying conservation related problems. Examples of specialized experience include: Providing technical guidance and assistance to groups and individuals on topics such as soil interpretations, erosion control measures, pest and invasive species control, water quality improvements, livestock management, wildlife habitat, and forest management; Preparing conservation or resource management plans and providing financial or implementation assistance; and/or communicating and sharing general information and explaining issues related to natural resource conservation, problems, and solutions to landowners, residents, and land managers.

B. I possess at least 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.

C. I possess a combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, which may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.

D. I do not have the experience and/or education described in the above statements at this time.

4. Have you held at least a GS-7 or equivalent for 52 weeks?

A. Yes

B. No

5. Have you held at least a GS-9 or equivalent for 52 weeks?

A. Yes

B. No

6. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience determining the data required for conservation planning.

A. I have determined the data required to address Soil, Water, Air, Plants, Animal, plus Human component (SWAPA+H) elements.

B. I have fully utilized electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG), plant material centers, handbooks, planning criteria, and manuals to identify required data and resource concerns.

C. I have independently determined the resource concerns, client objectives, and data required for Resource Management Systems (RMS) level conservation planning for projects involving multiple partners or landowners and multiple land uses.

D. I have independently identified and collected the data and information for a comprehensive resource management system.

7. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience checking work to ensure it is accurate, thorough, and meets applicable policies, standards/specifications, or other guidelines.

A. I have ensured that my own and others? work products were technically accurate, reliable, and in accordance with established policies, standards/specifications, and guidelines.

B. I have ensured that my own work products and services were complete, accurate, and in accordance with established policies, standards/specifications, and guidelines.

C. I have established a climate for the organizational unit that emphasized the importance and impact of high-quality and accurate work.

D. I have had to check details for accuracy or completeness in situations where the work would be reviewed by others.

E. None of the above.

8. Present plans, programs, and objectives to landowners, clients, groups, and the public to provide information and guidance needed to implement assigned programs.

A. I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

B. I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.

C. I have performed this task as a regular part of the job, independently and usually without review by supervisor or senior employee.

D. I have performed this task on the job, with close supervision from supervisor or senior employee.

E. I have supervised performance of this task and/or I have trained others in performance and/or am normally consulted by others as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

9. Foster positive team environments that promote cooperation and trust.

A. I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

B. I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.

C. I have performed a similar/related task on the job or have served as an intern or trainee performing related tasks/assignments.

D. I routinely lead and independently complete this task as a regular part of my duties.

E. I routinely lead others performing this task and/or have served as a project leader performing these and related duties.

10. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your highest level of experience fostering teamwork in the workplace.

A. I have contributed ideas and shared skills and knowledge with team members, encouraging others to do the same.

B. I have created opportunities for sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practices within and across work units and organizations.

C. I have established communication processes that ensure work activities were well-integrated across teams, business units, or agencies.

D. I have provided help or assistance to a team member when needed.

E. None of the above.

11. Which of the following groups or entities have you engaged professionally?

A. Agricultural businesses

B. Agricultural cooperatives

C. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Associations

D. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Networks

E. Economic Development Corporations

F. Land Grant Universities (including 1862, 1892, and 1994 institutions

G. Local governments

H. Nonprofit corporations

I. Producer associations

J. Producer networks

K. Public benefit corporations

L. Regional farmers market authorities

M. State Departments of Agriculture

N. Tribal governments

O. None of the above

12. 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.

A. Yes, I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by me with my application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, certifications, accomplishments, etc.). I understand that the information provided is subject to investigation. I understand that misrepresenting my experience or education, or providing false, fraudulent or inaccurate information in or with my application may be grounds for not hiring me or for terminating me after I begin work. I also understand that false or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).

B. No, I do not certify and I understand that by responding "no" to this certification that I will not receive consideration for this position.

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