Soil Conservationist

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Field Operations division, Elko Field branch, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The incumbent will serve as a District Conservationist assisting the Conservation District(s) within the managerial unit, consisting of at least one county or district, in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program.

Works in collaboration with landowner to provide detailed conservation system and practice implementation including conservation practice design, layout, construction, inspection and certification.

Executes oversight, management and administration for all farm bill programs in accordance with the Conservation Program Manual. Develops the following contracting policy and procedures with a high level of quality and integrity

Responsible for supervision of federal employees located in a field office and liaison between the state and district employees.

Ensures quality and quantity of work, reviews work of subordinates and accepts, revises, or rejects work. Sets performance standards and evaluates performance for subordinates.

Partners with the state conservation partnership to provide long-term commitment to the local, state and federal government conservation delivery system to help private landowners, communities and others conserve natural resources within the state.

Directly advises and assists conservation organizations, private landowners, and conservation district members to plan, and carry out soil and water conservation policies, programs, and local activities.

Independently provides leadership with conservation planning of natural resources and other activities in cooperation with the Conservation District, tribes, and conservation partners to address resource concerns on private lands.

Maintains certified conservation planner certification with the appropriate engineering and ecological sciences Job Approval Authority (JAA) to implement conservation planning phase I and II.

Contracting which will include informing the landowner of the participant responsibilities, joint agreements, establishing Conservation Program Contracts in Protracts, requirements of the contract file

Interviews and determines selection from available candidates. Resolves complaints and grievances and takes appropriate action as necessary. Reviews job descriptions for accuracy.

Initiates or participates in review and improvement of work methods.

Knowledge of soils properties and characteristics sufficient to interpret land use potential and deficiencies and advice partner agencies and organizations, landowners and users on sound erosion control and drainage techniques.

Contracts Program Payments knowledge to assist with applying for the following;

conservation programs, reoccurring payments, payment assignments, Technical Service Provider payments, payment shares, partial and advanced payments, special payments and claims, debt collections and offsets.