Soil Conservationist jobs in Lancaster, PA

Soil Conservationist develops and implements policies and procedures for soil erosion control, moisture conservation, and sound land use. Conducts and participates in environmental studies. Being a Soil Conservationist applies a wide range concepts, practices, and procedures from two or more specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture. May require a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences or a related field with at least 5 years of work experience. Additionally, Soil Conservationist may direct the work of a small group of employees. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to a senior manager and may be considered the lead for a specific area or unit. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)

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Soil Conservationist (Assistant State Conservationist)
  • Ag Jobs
  • Ephrata, PA FULL_TIME
  • Summary

    This position serves as a member of the State Leadership Team, and participates in formulation of overall operations for the State. Responsible for managing field operations, associated programs, and budget formulation and execution for an assigned area ofthe state. Ensures equality of services to all customers. Position reports to the State Conservationist.

    This job is open to

    • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

      Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
    • Internal to an agency

      Current federal employees of this agency.
    • Special authorities

      Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.


    Clarification from the agency

    Applications will be accepted only from current permanent USDA employees with competitive status; and CTAP/RPL eligible candiates and permanent Farm Service County Office employees.

    Videos

    Duties

    • Serves as consultant and advisor of NRCS program responsibilities in the assigned state by recommending and implementing policies and directing technical guidance to others on a range of topics related to natural resource conservation.
    • Program manager for various natural resources conservation programs in order to properly control and utilize appropriate funds and provide program balance for program activities in the state.
    • Managing field operations and staff including providing technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and development of natural resource conservation programs to include coordinating staff performance and budget management.
    • Analyzing workloads, developing and implementing annual work or business plans, and establishing goals within the constraints of funding and staff availability.
    • Provides knowledge of agricultural practices, crop and soil science, and conservation programs in order to understand how policies and programs will impact opportunities for new technology and approaches.
    • Identifies developmental opportunities for employee including creating new development opportunities, identify training/development needs and identify gaps, encourage employees to participate in training/development.
    • Provides supervision to staff of varied grade levels. This includes providing overall leadership of program activities, making work assignments, evaluating performance, interviewing candidates, making selections, and determining training needs.
    • Explain and describe complex soil and water conservation, problems, programs, and solutions to diverse groups providing clarity to promote agency credibility.


    Requirements

    Conditions of Employment

    • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
    • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
    • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected you will be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are not able to reimburse any fees incurred for fingerprints.
    • Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
    • Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
    • Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
    • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
    • 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.


    Qualifications

    Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience, as defined below.

    Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level).

    Basic Education Requirement: Degree: soil conservation or 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;

    OR

    Combination of Education and Experience: At least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional 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.

    Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.

    Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work.

    In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:

    Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-13 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the Federal GS-12 level or higher, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include:
    • Managing field operations and staff including providing technical leadership and guidance in the implementation and development of natural resource conservation programs to include coordinating staff performance and budget management.
    • Analyzing workloads, developing and implementing annual work or business plans, and establishing goals within the constraints of funding and staff availability.
    • Directing technical guidance and assistance to groups and individuals on a range of topics related to natural resource conservation.
    • Clearly explaining and describing complex soil and water conservation issues, problems, programs, and solutions to diverse groups (e.g. rural and community landowners, residents, land managers, conservation groups, tribal entities, agency employees, and representatives of local, state, and other federal agencies in a way that supports agency objectives and promotes agency credibility).

    Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-13 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF

    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 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

    • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
    • Physical Demands: Work is mostly sedentary and may include carrying light items such as books, training material and similar items. Work may require field visits, where walking will be required but the work does not require any special physical effort.
    • Work Environment: The work involves working in a typical office environment with adequate heat, cooling, and lighting. Occasionally, the work may require moving objects that weigh more than 10 pounds and fieldwork is involved during training and site visits for the evaluation of program application.
    • 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.
    • This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the position and other flexible work arrangements. Current USDA policy includes telework for an 8 hour work day, 4 days per week; other flexibilities are possible dependent upon availability and/or the position and its associated duties. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
    • Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.


    • Benefits

      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.

    You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience, education, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:

    • Conservation Planning
    • Conservation Programs
    • Influencing/Negotiating
    • Partnering
    • Team Building


    Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Noncompetitive candidates and applicants under some special hiring authorities need only meet minimum qualifications to be referred.

    Note: If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

    Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.

    To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12376691

    • Benefits

      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.
    • Required Documents

      As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

      The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
      • Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
      • If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name & the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
      • Current USDA Employees:
        • Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series & grade. Please note it may be necessary to submit more than one SF-50 to verify you meet this requirement. AND
        • Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
      • Current permanent FSA County employees must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series & grade. Please note it may be necessary to submit more than one SF-50 to verify you meet this requirement. AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
      • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP or RPL priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.


      If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

      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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
      schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

      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.
    • How to Apply

      Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

      Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET 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 the Agency Contact to request this.

      To begin, click "Apply" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.

      NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.

      Agency contact information

      Nicole Bell

      Phone

      202-692-5310

      Email

      nicole.bell@usda.gov

      Address

      Natural Resources Conservation Service

      1400 Independence Ave SW

      Washington, DC 20250

      US

      Next steps

      Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.

      Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
    • Fair and Transparent

      The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

      • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
      • Reasonable accommodation policy
      • Financial suitability
      • Selective Service
      • New employee probationary period
      • Signature and false statements
      • Privacy Act
      • Social security number request


    Required Documents

    The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
    • Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
    • If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name & the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
    • Current USDA Employees:
      • Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series & grade. Please note it may be necessary to submit more than one SF-50 to verify you meet this requirement. AND
      • Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
    • Current permanent FSA County employees must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series & grade. Please note it may be necessary to submit more than one SF-50 to verify you meet this requirement. AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
    • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP or RPL priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.


    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
    schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    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.

    How to Apply

    Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

    Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET 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 the Agency Contact to request this.

    To begin, click "Apply" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.

    NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded resumes must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.

    Agency contact information

    Nicole Bell

    Phone

    202-692-5310

    Email

    nicole.bell@usda.gov

    Address

    Natural Resources Conservation Service

    1400 Independence Ave SW

    Washington, DC 20250

    US

    Next steps

    Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.

    Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

    Fair & Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request
  • 5 Days Ago

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0 Soil Conservationist jobs found in Lancaster, PA area

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Field Service Representative
  • The Mice Groups, Inc.
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Pay for this role is $55,000 to $58,000 Title: Field Service Rep (Technician / FSR Location: Lancaster, PA (Onsite Role)...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Agency Sales Leader
  • Combined, a Chubb Company
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Combined Insurance, a Chubb Company, is seeking an Agency Leader to join our fast-paced, high energy, growing company in...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

O
Sales Development Representative
  • ONE2ONE Inc
  • Lancaster, PA
  • As a Sales Development Representative (SDR) at ONE 2 ONE, you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth by gene...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Business Attorney
  • Barley Snyder
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Barley Snyder, a regional law firm of over 130 attorneys, has an excellent opportunity for an Attorney in our Business P...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Litigation Associate
  • Barley Snyder
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Litigation Associate Barley Snyder, a regional law firm of more than 130 attorneys, has an excellent opportunity for a L...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Inventory Planning Analyst
  • Artsana USA, Inc. (Chicco)
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Artsana USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Artsana S.p.A., a premier Italian juvenile products brand and one of Euro...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Compliance and Quality Manager
  • Artsana USA, Inc. (Chicco)
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Artsana USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Artsana Sp.A., a premier Italian juvenile products brand and one of Euro...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Sales Account Manager
  • American Fidelity Sales Careers
  • Lancaster, PA
  • American Fidelity Assurance is now looking for an Account Manager in your area. Our salaried, career Account Managers ar...
  • 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM

Lancaster (/ˈlæŋkəstər/ LANG-kə-stər) is a city located in South Central Pennsylvania which serves as the seat of Pennsylvania's Lancaster County and one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities. The Lancaster metropolitan area population is 507,766, making it the 101st largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and second largest in the South Central Pennsylvania area. The city's primary industries include healthcare, tourism, public administration, manufacturing, and both professional and semi-professi...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Income Estimation for Soil Conservationist jobs
$61,142 to $92,560
Lancaster, Pennsylvania area prices
were up 1.5% from a year ago

Soil Conservationist in Alamogordo, NM
They also maintain soil stability and vegetation for uses such as wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation.
December 26, 2019
Soil Conservationist in Huntsville, AL
Range managers, also called range conservationists, protect rangelands to maximize their use without damaging the environment.
February 24, 2020
Soil Conservationist in Denver, CO
To become a soil conservationist who works in research and university teaching positions a PhD in one of these fields is needed.
January 07, 2020