All current or former federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility; CTAP and ICTAP eligibles within the local commuting area; and Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) Eligibles.
Persons eligible under Special Hiring Authorities
All former PLC members who within the past 120 days have completed all requirements of a creditable PLC project.
Current or former time-limited employees eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)
The incumbent works as a Soil Scientist for either the Ashland or Grants Pass Field Office completing the following major duties:
Develops and transmits to the Field Manager draft soils annual work plans for the field office. Makes program package recommendations in accordance with directives and applicable guidance. Coordinates the same with the District Soil Scientist. Implements those portions of the annual work plan which are funded.
Participates on Interdisciplinary Teams as the soil expert for various NEPA documents associated with timber sales, right-of-way proposals, mining plans, fuels reduction, restoration, and other resource area projects.
Coordinates effects analysis and ongoing survey findings with other specialists and/or the District Soil Scientist.
Provides soils input into Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Categorical Exclusions, Determinations of NEPA Adequacy, Right-of-Way easements, and other technical planning documents for forest management, recreation, mining, fuels reduction, wildlife management, and other activities where the proposed action may Impact soil stability, productivity, and/or water resources. Provides input into Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) plans.
Reviews and assesses proposed timber, silvicultural, road construction, and other ground disturbing actions for slope stability concerns, erosion potential, and existing soil disturbance and compaction. Makes predictions on how soil resources will respond to proposed actions and proposes recommendations for mitigating or avoiding potential problems.
Provides technical advice and recommends solutions to the field manager and other field office personnel on soil capabilities and limitations associated with the broad spectrum of forest management, watershed management, erosion control, recreation and other land uses. Provides expertise in ways to avoid conflict between soils and other resource objectives.
Provides soil expertise to resource area planners for project protests and appeals
Independently performs soil inventories, slope stability assessments, and soil productivity ratings. Updates timber productivity capability classification (TPCC) maps and data following soil inventories in cooperation with silviculture staff.
Conducts field investigations of soil moisture, compaction, disturbance, and other soil resource values in support of planning and implementation of forest management activities.
Performs occasional effectiveness monitoring review of recently completed projects to verify that Project Design Features were correctly implemented and that soil resources were affected as described in whatever analysis was performed.
Develops and maintains professional or technical contacts to include up-to-date processes and techniques for analyses related to his/her area of expertise.
Utilizes GIS and GPS to provide project soil resource location information to Interdisciplinary teams, and to manage and update soil datasets.
Work Environment: The employee's work environment will include both office and field. The incumbent will be required to operate a motor vehicle as necessary to get to and from the field. Climatic conditions range from hot, dry summers to wet, cloudy, cool winters. Special equipment such as heavy duty rain gear and boots will be required. The employee is expected to adapt to hazardous conditions and to perform the job in a safe and efficient manner.
Physical Demands: The work involves approximately 50% outside field work which may demand climbing, hiking, and working sometimes in extreme weather conditions. At times, hard physical labor will be expected.
Be sure to read the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" Sections.
You cannot hold an active real estate license; nor can you
have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Land.
Direct Deposit Required.
Background Investigation Required.
Summary of Requirements: You must meet all requirements listed in the "Qualifications" section of the announcement.
Qualifications
Basic Qualification Requirement: Bachelor's degree in soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility, -OR- a combination of education and experience; courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Qualifications for the GS-09 level: Meet the basic requirement above & have 1 year of experience as a Soil Scientist or related position such as a Natural Resource Specialist equivalent to GS-7 in the Federal service, OR 2 years of graduate education leading to a Masters Degree in the field of soil science, natural resource management or directly related field, OR a combination of experience and second year graduate level education.
Qualifications for the GS-11 level: Meet the basic requirements & I have 1 year of experience as a Soil Scientist or related position such as a Natural Resource Specialist equivalent to GS-9 in the Federal service, OR 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in the field of natural resource management or directly related field, OR a combination of experience and second year graduate level education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, you must also meet the following Specialized Experience Requirements: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - please be sure to include this information in your resume. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade of the position to be filled. Examples: knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of soil science including soil genesis and geomorphology, soil classification and correlation, photo interpretation and soil-landscape relationships; other related disciplines such as geology, mathematics, and statistics; and agency soil science programs, policies and procedures sufficient to produce soil maps; classify soils; prepare soil survey manuscripts; interpret soil information according to technical standards; prepare soil descriptions, field notes, map unit descriptions, taxonomic unit descriptions; and prepare technical and non-technical reports.
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
Additional information
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System website.
May require completion of a 1 year probationary period.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.
CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they receive a minimum score of 90 based on the rating criteria used for this position.
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas.
The Bureau of Land Management has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Upon receipt of your complete application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your rating will be based on your responses to the Job Specific Questionnaire and the information stated in your resume. If qualified, your score may range from 70-100 points. In addition, interviews may be conducted for this position. The interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis or may be scored. The job specific questions relate to the following knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the work of this position.
1. A professional knowledge and expertise in the principals, practices, and techniques in the fields of geomorphology and soils.
2. Knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as it pertains to soil resources management and the ability to prepare accurate and succinct NEPA environmental analyses for publication with few to no revisions needed.
3. Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, clearly, and tactfully with other resource specialists, managers, state and federal agencies, public and private groups with opposing viewpoints in order to develop common understanding and resolution of complex issues.
4. Skill in operating geographic positioning systems (GPS) equipment, including integrating geodatabases, handheld GPS units, and GIS.
5. Ability to walk and hike over steep, rugged terrain while carrying a heavy load.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
Copy of Transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education.
Former PLC Member: Submit a copy of your “Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring” along with a copy of your “PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet.”
Applicants eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) must submit documentation verifying (a) initial selection under competitive examining procedures to a land management agency under a time-limited appointment in the competitive service , (b) service under this initial appointment, or in conjunction with subsequent competitive service time-limited appointments, to a land management agency was for a period of 24 months without a break in service of two or more years, and (c) performance was evaluated as being at an acceptable level for the entire applicable period(s). “Required documentation” includes first and last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for each appointment verifying the Position Occupied code (Block 34) is 1-Competitive Service, AND documentation of successful performance for each appointment. Applicants are encouraged to combine all required documents into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping documents into files will simplify the application process. Failure to submit required documentation will result in loss of consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
Current and former federal career and career-conditional employees: submit a copy of your recent (non award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or equivalent document that verifies tenure (block 24, code 1 or 2) and Competitive Status (block 34, code 1).
If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility.
You may submit your documents either via Auto-Requested Fax or by uploading your documents from your USAJOBS Profile.
Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.
UPLOADING DOCUMENTS: instead of faxing your documents you may use the uploading procedures thru Applicant Manager. Do not use both options.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes ALL of the following items: 1. Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire; 2. Your resume; and 3. Applicable supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
Click on the button "Apply Online" and login to MY USAJOBS.
If you haven't already registered with USAJOBS, the system will require you to create a user name and password, complete a questionnaire and upload, paste or type a resume into USAJOBS.
If you have already registered with USAJOBS and forgot your login information, select the "Did you forget your username and/or password" link from the right side menu.
Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by the closing date of this announcement.
If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact Paj Shua Cha at 503-808-6221 or email pcha@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms:
Copy of Transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. If your degree is from a Foreign Institution, See Foreign Education.
Former PLC Member: Submit a copy of your “Certificate of Eligibility for Noncompetitive Hiring” along with a copy of your “PLC Participant Verification Work Hours Sheet.”
Applicants eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) must submit documentation verifying (a) initial selection under competitive examining procedures to a land management agency under a time-limited appointment in the competitive service , (b) service under this initial appointment, or in conjunction with subsequent competitive service time-limited appointments, to a land management agency was for a period of 24 months without a break in service of two or more years, and (c) performance was evaluated as being at an acceptable level for the entire applicable period(s). “Required documentation” includes first and last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for each appointment verifying the Position Occupied code (Block 34) is 1-Competitive Service, AND documentation of successful performance for each appointment. Applicants are encouraged to combine all required documents into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping documents into files will simplify the application process. Failure to submit required documentation will result in loss of consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
Current and former federal career and career-conditional employees: submit a copy of your recent (non award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or equivalent document that verifies tenure (block 24, code 1 or 2) and Competitive Status (block 34, code 1).
If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility.
You may submit your documents either via Auto-Requested Fax or by uploading your documents from your USAJOBS Profile.
Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.
UPLOADING DOCUMENTS: instead of faxing your documents you may use the uploading procedures thru Applicant Manager. Do not use both options.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes ALL of the following items: 1. Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire; 2. Your resume; and 3. Applicable supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.
Click on the button "Apply Online" and login to MY USAJOBS.
If you haven't already registered with USAJOBS, the system will require you to create a user name and password, complete a questionnaire and upload, paste or type a resume into USAJOBS.
If you have already registered with USAJOBS and forgot your login information, select the "Did you forget your username and/or password" link from the right side menu.
Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by the closing date of this announcement.
If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact Paj Shua Cha at 503-808-6221 or email pcha@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
