Title:
Soil Scientist, GS-0470-5/7/9
Company:
USDA NRCS
Description:
• Makes and updates soil maps including identification and classification of soil types and phases. Prepares data documentations including pedon descriptions, transect data, and compiled field notes. Collects soil samples for analyses in the soil survey laboratory. Performs field tests to aid in soil interpretation and classification.
• Writes technical and non-technical materials dealing with soils and the soil survey. Assists in development of soils data including preparation of data map unit descriptions, taxonomic unit descriptions, and other materials. Performs map compilation, as assigned.
• Assists in developing data and interpretations for the soils in the assigned area and enters this information into the agency database.
• Provides training to NRCS personnel and others in soils and soil survey.
• Studies the characteristics of soils and makes recommendations for their use and management. Integrates soil survey information with other phases of the soil and natural resources conservation program.
• Performs on-site investigations and provides interpretive data upon request.
General Eligibility Qualifications for the CIP Require:
• U.S. Citizenship
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree (see note below) with an overall college GPA of 3.0 or better, if applying based on education
• Diverse professional experience, training, and competencies
• Demonstrated leadership potential and community service
Requirements:
General Eligibility Qualifications for the CIP Require:
• U.S. Citizenship
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree (see note below) with an overall college GPA of 3.0 or better, if applying based on education
• Diverse professional experience, training, and competencies
• Demonstrated leadership potential and community service
Basic Qualifications for a Soil Scientist Include:
• A bachelor’s degree in soil science or a closely related discipline that includes 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.
NOTE: Applicants having course work that may meet the educational qualifications, but is not clearly evident from course titling on a transcript, must include a course description photocopied from the college catalog or provide additional information from the college so course work can be evaluated.
NOTE: Applicants may receive credit for education received outside the U.S. if evidence can be provided that the education is comparable to an accredited educational institution in the U.S. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence when applying.
- 3 -
Basic Qualifications for a Soil Scientist (continued):
NOTE: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if an applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the U.S. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence when applying.
• Qualifying professional experience for a soil scientist includes but is not limited to preparing soil map documentation including pedon description, transect data, collecting soil samples for analysis, and compiling field notes.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
Applicants will be evaluated based on college education, grade point average and/or professional work experience, community service, leadership abilities, and awards.
Contact:
Name: Kayla Ascher
Email Address: kayla.ascher@ks.usda.gov
785-823-4562
Fax Number: 785-452-3369
Address: 760 South Broadway Blvd.
City: Salina, KS 67401

