Do you want to work for a premier conservation agency whose mission is to “help people help the land?” For more than 83 years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has worked in close partnership with farmers, ranchers, forest managers, non-governmental organizations, local and state governments, and other federal agencies to create and maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.
Summary
Do you want to work for a premier conservation agency whose mission is to “help people help the land?” For more than 83 years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has worked in close partnership with farmers, ranchers, forest managers, non-governmental organizations, local and state governments, and other federal agencies to create and maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.
Current Permanent Federal employees. Permanent FSA County employees. Former Federal employees with competitive service reinstatement eligibility. Individuals with disabilities, former Peace Corps, Vista, and Action Cooperative volunteers, VEOA, VRA, Veterans Preference eligibles, 30% Disabled Veterans, and others eligible for special hiring authorities may be considered. CTAP and ICTAP candidates.
The Resource Soil Scientist is responsible for providing leadership, technical review, and guidance in the application of soil survey information throughout the state.
Provides technical expertise in the application of Farm Bill programs. This includes providing leadership and guidance to field offices and assists during the program signup and application periods for CRP, GRP, EQIP, EWP, WRP and other programs.
Provides soil expertise at appeals that are elevated to the County Farm Service Agency Committee, State Conservationist (Technical Reviews), and the National Appeals Division.
Conducts on-site soil investigations. Provides on-site technical assistance to agency personnel and the public on the interpretation and application of soil survey information related to specific soil, water, air, plant, and animal resource concerns.
Plans, develops and provides training in soil science and the use of soil survey information to NRCS and non-NRCS audiences. Training includes principles of soil science and the appropriate use of soil survey information in hardcopy and digital soil data formats.
Serves as a team member for field office quality assurance reviews and appraisals. Reviews field office use of soils information (source data) in the application of conservation practices and programs.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
A 1-year probationary or trial period may be required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position. • Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation. The position may be subject to a Public Trust background investigation at the time of appointment, and may be subject to reinvestigation every five years thereafter. A favorable adjudication of the clearance or background investigation at the time of appointment and on reinvestigations is a condition of employment. • If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment. • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
PLEASE NOTE: In the interest of filling these positions as efficiently as possible, we are requiring the following:
If called for an interview, applicants must be available to interview within 3 business days of being contacted.
If a tentative job offer is extended, selectee will have 2 business days in which to accept or decline.
1. Degree: 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 2. 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 A above, plus appropriate or additional education.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
To qualify for the GS-11 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) or more years of specialized experience to the GS-09 level or higher in the federal service which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Example of this experience include providing direct support as a resource soil scientist to field offices for technical soil services; processing Farm Bill program assessments, and working collaboratively with Soil Survey offices. Also, responsible for maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; conducting information and education activities to soils survey; and providing training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists.
Substitution of education for the GS-11 level: Three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil science or a closely related discipline.
Combination of education and experience: A combination of graduate-level education (less than 3 years) and experience (less than one year) 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 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.
To qualify for the GS-12 level: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or higher in the federal service which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of this experience include providing direct support as a resource soil scientist to field offices for technical soil services; processing Farm Bill program assessments, and working collaboratively with Soil Survey offices. Maintenance, interpretation, and distribution of soil survey information; conducting information and education activities to soils survey; and providing training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists.
Time-in-Grade: Applicants must have completed at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade (Example GS-9 for GS-11, GS-11 for GS-12), or have held the same grade or higher grade level as the one advertised in order to be considered for this position.
Experience Note: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
You must submit a copy of your college transcripts or a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify all education requirements (i.e. substitution of education and/or basic education requirement). If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g. special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college for that particular course to ensure you are properly evaluated. Please note that qualifications determinations are based solely on the information submitted for each particular vacancy announcement. You must document all requirements on every vacancy; we cannot use previous determinations as a basis for rating. All required information must be received by the closing date of this announcement, and non-submission of all required documents/documentation will result in non-consideration. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. This information must be received by the closing date of this announcement. Non-submission of these documents will result in non-consideration.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Applicants must, therefore, only report attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation via this link. All education claimed by applicants will be verified accordingly. Important: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. Click on this link for more information.
Additional information
COLA: For Puerto Rico, a 3.48% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) will be calculated at the time of appointment. For information on pay for white-collar civilian Federal employees in nonforeign areas, please visit OPM’s website at
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran’s Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). See:http://www.opm.gov/staffingportal/vetguide.asp#VeteransEmploymentAct1998
Special Hiring Options: Individuals eligible for under the Veterans Recruitment Act (VRA) or 30 percent disabled veterans, Disabled veterans who have completed a VA training program, Military Spouse, Certain Former Overseas Employees, and Schedule A Disabled may be considered under special hiring authorities. Click here for more information. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Special_Hiring_Options
Career Transition Assistance Plan(CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide proof of eligibility to include your most recent performance appraisal, SF-50, and proof of eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or letter from OPM/your agency. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of 85 or above. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Reference: https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/publ47/PLAW-114publ47.pdf.
This position is eligible for telework within the commuting area of the duty location of the position and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Recruitment and relocation incentive may be authorized.
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.
The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore
the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at:
If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee who
has a designated place of residence in the lower 48 continental United
States or the District of Columbia (CONUS):
The initial tour of duty in Puerto Rico is for 3 years. An employee may
elect to serve an additional 2-year tour with the approval of the Puerto
Rico Director. At the completion of the tour(s), the employee has
guaranteed return rights to a position of grade and pay equivalent to
the employee’s current position, whether or not such position is the
product of one or more competitive promotions earned during the tour or
tours. Guaranteed return rights are forfeited once management accepts an
employee’s request to extend his/her tour beyond the 5-year period. From
this point on, if an employee decides to transfer back to the CONUS, the
employee is responsible for locating a position through normal merit
promotion procedures.
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.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the competencies listed below:
Geomorphology and Hydrology; Organizing and Prioritizing Work; Adaptability and Flexibility; Representing the Agency; Soil Examination and Classification; Soil Attribute Database Management; Soil-Vegetation Relationship Identification; Written Communication; Oral Communication; Soil Interpretation & Land Use Guidance; Interpersonal Skills; Teamwork; Attention to Detail; Relationship Management
We will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements and assess your ability to perform this job. Before any certificate can be issued to the selecting official, the resume and supporting documents are reviewed by an HR Specialist to ensure that minimum qualification requirements are met.
Applicants who meet the basic minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Non-Competitive candidates need to meet minimum qualification requirements to be referred. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you.
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.
The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore
the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at:
If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee who
has a designated place of residence in the lower 48 continental United
States or the District of Columbia (CONUS):
The initial tour of duty in Puerto Rico is for 3 years. An employee may
elect to serve an additional 2-year tour with the approval of the Puerto
Rico Director. At the completion of the tour(s), the employee has
guaranteed return rights to a position of grade and pay equivalent to
the employee’s current position, whether or not such position is the
product of one or more competitive promotions earned during the tour or
tours. Guaranteed return rights are forfeited once management accepts an
employee’s request to extend his/her tour beyond the 5-year period. From
this point on, if an employee decides to transfer back to the CONUS, the
employee is responsible for locating a position through normal merit
promotion procedures.
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.
The following documents are required for your application to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure or downtime, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume should include: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisor's phone number, e-mail address for each work period listed, and whether we may contact reference checks; and 5) other qualifications.
College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or used as a substitute for specialized experience. An unofficial copy is sufficient; however, if selected, an official transcript will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Current and Former Federal Employees:
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action(s), documenting that you meet the following: the advertised area of consideration; competitive status (if applicable); the highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis; and position title, series and grade, etc. Please submit multiple SF-50s if needed to verify eligibility and do not submit an Award SF-50 unless it provides the necessary information; AND
Most recently completed performance appraisal/summary rating (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan or progress/midyear review.
Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade.
CTAP/ICTAP: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 documenting separation or the position separating from. Workers Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50. Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from the military or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Eligible applicants must submit documentation of more than 24 months of service with their application. Include first & last SF 50 for each appointment AND documentation of successful performance of 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.
Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted.
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Sch A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
Miscellaneous AuthoritiesNot Regulated by the Office of Personnel Management: (Postal Career Service, Postal Service Commission, GAO, US Courts, etc.) Current Notification of Personnel Action/equivalent that reflects eligibility.
Peace Corps Personnel: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years.
Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems: Documentation of eligibility as listed in interchange agreement.
Important: The above list is not complete. Please review the "How to Apply" section for additional special hiring authority consideration and documentation.
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.
Continuation of Required Documents. Important: The list below is not complete. Please review the "Required Documents" section for additional special hiring authority consideration and documentation.
Certain Family Members Eligible under E.O. 12721: Most recent non-award SF-50 & performance appraisal.
Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13473: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders issued within the last 2 years, that lists you as authorized to accompany the military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the members 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the members death while on active duty (DD-1300 & Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e. marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
Foreign Service: Most recent Foreign Notification of Personnel Action, under an unlimited, career-type appointment AND have completed at least 1 year of continuous service without a break of a workday under one or more non-temporary Foreign Service appointments.
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact us if you are requesting this.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: Create a resume with USAJOBS or upload a resume into your USAJOBS account. Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of the job announcement).
Step 3: Click "Apply Online" and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application” to continue. NOTE: Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Once in the Agency's staffing system you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
Natural Resources Conservation Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC, 20250
US
Next steps
If you set up your USAJOBS account to send automatic email notifications, you will receive an email acknowledging: 1) the submission of your online Occupational Questionnaire and resume was successful, 2) if you were referred to the selecting official for consideration, and 3) if you were selected or not selected. If you choose not to set up automatic email notifications, you must check your USAJOBS account for the latest status of your application. Your application may be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Normally, a final job offer to the selected candidate is made within 30-60 days after the issuance of the certificate.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your application to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in mail service, your system failure or downtime, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume should include: 1) personal information; 2) education; 3) work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisor's phone number, e-mail address for each work period listed, and whether we may contact reference checks; and 5) other qualifications.
College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or used as a substitute for specialized experience. An unofficial copy is sufficient; however, if selected, an official transcript will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Current and Former Federal Employees:
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action(s), documenting that you meet the following: the advertised area of consideration; competitive status (if applicable); the highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis; and position title, series and grade, etc. Please submit multiple SF-50s if needed to verify eligibility and do not submit an Award SF-50 unless it provides the necessary information; AND
Most recently completed performance appraisal/summary rating (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan or progress/midyear review.
Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade.
CTAP/ICTAP: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 documenting separation or the position separating from. Workers Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50. Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from the military or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Eligible applicants must submit documentation of more than 24 months of service with their application. Include first & last SF 50 for each appointment AND documentation of successful performance of 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.
Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted.
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Sch A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
Miscellaneous AuthoritiesNot Regulated by the Office of Personnel Management: (Postal Career Service, Postal Service Commission, GAO, US Courts, etc.) Current Notification of Personnel Action/equivalent that reflects eligibility.
Peace Corps Personnel: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years.
Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems: Documentation of eligibility as listed in interchange agreement.
Important: The above list is not complete. Please review the "How to Apply" section for additional special hiring authority consideration and documentation.
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.
Continuation of Required Documents. Important: The list below is not complete. Please review the "Required Documents" section for additional special hiring authority consideration and documentation.
Certain Family Members Eligible under E.O. 12721: Most recent non-award SF-50 & performance appraisal.
Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13473: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders issued within the last 2 years, that lists you as authorized to accompany the military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the members 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the members death while on active duty (DD-1300 & Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e. marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
Foreign Service: Most recent Foreign Notification of Personnel Action, under an unlimited, career-type appointment AND have completed at least 1 year of continuous service without a break of a workday under one or more non-temporary Foreign Service appointments.
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin. The following instructions outline our application process.
You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Applying online is highly encouraged. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact our office during business hours well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages with supporting documents must be submitted no later than noon on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact us if you are requesting this.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: Create a resume with USAJOBS or upload a resume into your USAJOBS account. Customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of the job announcement).
Step 3: Click "Apply Online" and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application” to continue. NOTE: Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Once in the Agency's staffing system you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX).
Natural Resources Conservation Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC, 20250
US
Next steps
If you set up your USAJOBS account to send automatic email notifications, you will receive an email acknowledging: 1) the submission of your online Occupational Questionnaire and resume was successful, 2) if you were referred to the selecting official for consideration, and 3) if you were selected or not selected. If you choose not to set up automatic email notifications, you must check your USAJOBS account for the latest status of your application. Your application may be reviewed to verify that you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the position prior to issuing lists to a selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Normally, a final job offer to the selected candidate is made within 30-60 days after the issuance of the certificate.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
