Soil Scientist jobs in North Dakota

Soil Scientist studies, investigates, and conducts experiments on different soil/plant types to determine use capabilities of soils, and effects of alternative practices on soil productivity. Applies a wide range concepts, practices, and procedures from two or more specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture. Being a Soil Scientist may require a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences or a related field with at least 5 years of work experience. May direct the work of a small group of employees. Additionally, Soil Scientist 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)

U
Soil Scientist
  • US Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Fargo, ND FULL_TIME
  • Duties

    • Coordinates the technical soil services program in urban and other highly managed/impacted areas.
    • Provides leadership and soils expertise for the accurate delivery of soil information in the form of correspondence, articles, and effective presentations to internal and external user groups.
    • Serves as a team member for field office quality assurance reviews and appraisals in offices with urban and other highly managed/impacted areas.
    • Develops or reviews ranking systems, eligibility criteria, program specific data, and practice applications for current and future Farm Bill programs.
    • Serves as a technical soil specialist for highly erodible land, wetland conservation, and conservation compliance.

    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.
    • 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 specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

    Basic Education Requirement:
    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

    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 experience or additional education.

    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 for the GS-11 level: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include:
    • Providing technical guidance and assistance on routine topics pertaining to: soil genesis, geomorphology, classification, correlations, interpretations, soil-landscape relations, soil climate, and soil management systems;
    • Conducting on-site soil investigations and/or mapping to collect and analyze data on soil characteristics (physical, chemical, and biological), geology, and geomorphology to assist customers;
    • Collaborating and/or assisting in the development and delivery of soil training to technical and non-technical audiences in collecting soil samples, interpreting soil data, and interpreting/explaining soil lab analyzes on soil properties (chemical, physical, and biological). OR
    Education Substitution: in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level, three (3) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil science or a closely related discipline; OR

    Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, 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 at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.

    Specialized Experience for the GS-12 level: To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include:
    • Providing technical guidance and assistance on complex topics pertaining to: soil genesis, geomorphology, classification, correlations, interpretations, soil-landscape relations, soil climate, and soil management systems to address complex issues;
    • Leading on-site soil investigations/assessments and/or mapping to collect and analyze data on soil characteristics (physical, chemical, and biological), geology, and geomorphology to assist customers;
    • Developing and delivering soil and soil management training to technical and non-technical audiences in collecting soil samples, interpreting soil data, and interpreting/explaining soil lab analyses on soil properties (chemical, physical, and biological);
    • Expertise in the use of soil technology transfer tools (e.g., Web Soil Survey, Soil Data Access, R Studio, Survey123, or similar systems).
    Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 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/0400/soil-science-series-0470/

    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

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

    You must submit a copy of your transcripts to include course number, title, completion and grade. 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. 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.

    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.

    Failure to provide all of the required documents/information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

    Additional information

    • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
    • Promotion Potential: 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.
    • Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
    • Physical Demands: The work occurs in both outside and office environments. Outside activities involve strenuous walking over steep terrain, lifting, and carrying of moderately heavy soil samples, tools, and specialized equipment that weigh approximately 50 pounds. Work requires long periods of standing; walking or riding horses/ ATV's/ motorcycles over rough terrain; jumping ditches and furrows, or climbing steep banks; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, or similar activities. The incumbent must be able to operate four-wheel drive vehicles and other motorized equipment.
    • Work Environment: The work involves regular and recurring exposure to operating heavy equipment including tractors, caterpillars, and a wide variety of attached implements. There may be exposure to snow and ice conditions and herbicide and chemical spray operations requiring safety precautions. The work also includes occasional contact with poisonous plants, snakes, spiders, and disease carrying insects when working outdoors, and everyday risks and discomforts of outside extreme weather changes. Protective gear and clothing such as a hard hat, boots and gloves may be necessary.
    • 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 including Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

    • 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.

    Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies:

    • Data Collection, Analysis and Research
    • Planning and Evaluating
    • Program Management
    • Teaching Others
    • Technical Competence


    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. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

    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/12282587

    • 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 you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts 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.
      • If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
      • If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
      • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP 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: If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. You must verify that uploaded documents 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. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.

      Agency contact information

      Andrea Crittendon

      Email

      Andrea.Crittendon@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 you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts 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.
    • If claiming veteran's preference, you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
    • If claiming 10-point veteran's preference you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans' preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
    • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP 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.


    Help

    This job is open to

    • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

      Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

    • The public

      U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

  • 16 Days Ago

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Conservation Technician
  • Ward Soil Conservation District
  • Minot, ND FULL_TIME
  • About usWard Soil Conservation District is a small business in Minot, ND. We are professional, supportive, and community driven and our goal is to add an employee who wants to be part of a team , and ...
  • 8 Days Ago

B
District Technician
  • Bowman-Slope Soil Conservation District
  • Bowman, ND FULL_TIME,PART_TIME
  • Overview:The Bowman-Slope Soil Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated professional for the Soil Conservation District Technician Position. The Technician's primary duties are to manage th...
  • 26 Days Ago

A
Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)
  • Ag Jobs
  • Pago Pago, ND FULL_TIME
  • SummaryAssists the Conservation District(s) in the managerial unit, consisting of one or more counties or districts in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program. Perfor...
  • 6 Days Ago

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Farm Soil Sampler
  • Farmers Edge
  • Stanley, ND FULL_TIME
  • Farmers Edge is a global leader in agriculture technology! We produce industry leading technologies, software and digital tools that enable customers around the world to grow more sustainably, maximiz...
  • 21 Days Ago

G
Scientist, Sequencing
  • Genovac
  • Fargo, ND FULL_TIME
  • OVERVIEW Genovac Antibody Discovery LLC is seeking a Scientist to join our DNA sequencing team. This individual is a talented, detail-orientated, and results-driven scientist who has experience in the...
  • 15 Days Ago

K
Senior Environmental Health and Safety Scientist/Engineer 
  • Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Senior Environmental Health and Safety Scientist/Engineer for a direct hire posit...
  • 4/18/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Wetland Scientist
  • Stantec
  • Hartford, CT
  • Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts are leaders in their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creati...
  • 4/18/2024 12:00:00 AM

F
Soil Scientist - Permitting Specialist
  • FHI Studio
  • Hartford, CT
  • Soil Scientist/Permitting Specialist FHI Studio has an excellent opportunity for a Soil Scientist/Permitting Specialist....
  • 4/17/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Agricultural Scientist
  • Land IQ
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Land IQ has an opening for an Agricultural Scientist in its Sacramento, California office. The successful candidate will...
  • 4/17/2024 12:00:00 AM

E
Soil Scientist
  • Ecological Resource Consultants Inc.
  • Panama City Beach, FL
  • Company Description Environmental consulting firm-outstanding work environment with small firm founded in 1997. Role Des...
  • 4/16/2024 12:00:00 AM

Y
Principal Soil Scientist (Remote)
  • Yard Stick PBC
  • Oakland, CA
  • About The Role Yard Stick is looking for a Principal Soil Scientist to help us fight climate change with soil. The Princ...
  • 4/16/2024 12:00:00 AM

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Agricultural Scientist
  • Land Iq
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Land IQ has an opening for an Agricultural Scientist in its Sacramento, California office. The successful candidate will...
  • 4/16/2024 12:00:00 AM

E
Soil Scientist
  • Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc.
  • Panama City Beach, FL
  • Company Description Environmental consulting firm-outstanding work environment with small firm founded in 1997. Role Des...
  • 4/15/2024 12:00:00 AM

North Dakota is a Midwestern state of the United States. It borders Canada and lies at the center of the North American continent. The geographic center of North America is near the town of Rugby. Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota, and Fargo is the largest city. Soil is North Dakota's most precious resource. It is the base of the state's great agricultural wealth. But North Dakota also has enormous mineral resources. These mineral resources include billions of tons of lignite coal. In addition, North Dakota has large oil reserves. Petroleum was discovered in the state in 1951 and quickly...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Income Estimation for Soil Scientist jobs
$62,447 to $96,830

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