The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
INVENTORY FOR SOIL SCIENTIST GS-0470-5/7
This is an established inventory and we will continue to maintain this inventory of candidates applying for the position(s) of Soil Scientist, GS-0470-5 and/or GS-0470-7 throughout the United States. Promotion potential may vary by location.
NOTE: This vacancy announcement is used to fill permanent Career/Career Conditional appointments. Applicants selected for a Career/Career Conditional appointment must serve a 1-year probationary period. After 3 years of service, employees will be eligible for conversion to career status. Career/Career Conditional appointments are eligible for life and health insurance coverage and the Federal Employees Retirement System.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:Who may apply: All interested persons, you need not be a current or former Federal employee to apply.
PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER "HOW TO APPLY" BEFORE YOU BEGIN.
Major Duties: Although the duties vary by location, SOIL SCIENTISTS generally study, investigate, and map soils from the standpoint of their morphology, genesis, landscape position, and distribution; their physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes; their relationships to climate, physiographic and vegetative influences; and their adaptation to use and management in agriculture for community planning and resource development, for recreational needs, and for improving the quality of the environment. Soil Scientists also provide assistance in using soil information.
Basic Requirement: (Note: You must submit your college transcript. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating).
You must meet the basic requirements to qualify for this position. If using education to qualify for this position, it is recommended that you complete your college degree and submit a copy of your final transcript with your resume.
OR
A combination of education and experience-courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours (including 300 and 400 level courses) in the biological, physical, or earth sciences, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GS-7 GRADE LEVEL: In addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements in A or B above, applicants must have one year of specialized experience and/or one year of directly related graduate level education or superior academic achievement.
Specialized Experience is 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 Soil Scientist work. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level.
EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
For the GS-5 level: You must meet the basic educational requirement.
For the GS-7 level: One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours should be considered an academic year of graduate study.
Superior Academic Achievement which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
1. Class standing--Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)--Applicants must have a grade-point average of:3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. 3. Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in a national scholastic honor society. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.
Note: You must submit your college transcript. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site.
You must meet the basic requirements to qualify for this position. You have not met the basic requirement until you have graduated with a Bachelor's degree in a major field of study as listed above. It is recommended that you do not apply for this position until you have completed your college degree and can submit a copy of your final transcript.
BASIS OF RATING:
When we receive your application, we will send you an initial Notice of Results, indicating your tentative eligibility, (a score between 70 and 100, not including veterans' preference points) or ineligibility based solely on your responses to the questions in Step One (described later). We'll then hold your application until an agency requests a list of candidates for the series, grade(s), and location(s) for which you indicated interest.
All applicants are rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. An automated scoring system, based on the on-line application process is used. Before any certificate can be issued to the selecting official, the resume is reviewed by an HR Specialist to assure that (a) Basic Requirements and education/specialized experience are met, and (b) the resume/transcript(s) and supporting documentation supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions.
Your answers will be verified against information provided in your on-line resume and application. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.
Note: If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your description of experience and/or education OR that your application is incomplete, the following will take place. After a review of all the experience and training, we will adjust your rating to a level reflecting the rating criteria of the assessment tool. Veteran’s preference points will then be added to your rating, if applicable.
If you are found eligible, you will continue to be on the inventory for six months. You may then be referred for employment consideration, depending on your rating and the staffing needs of the requesting agency.
*** CAN I BE ON THE INVENTORY FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS? ***
Absolutely. HOWEVER, YOU MUST REAPPLY EACH TIME, possibly you will have additional experience, education or training. The month before your eligibility expires (shown on your Notice of Results), simply reapply by FOLLOWING THE STEPS DESCRIBED UNDER "HOW DO I APPLY?" in this announcement.
Benefits: Career conditional,/career appointments are eligible to elect life and health insurance coverage and will be automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System. Employees will earn annual and sick leave. For additional information on benefits click here.
CTAP/ICTAP: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SURPLUS OR DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN- CTAP INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN- ICTAP). Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. CTAP or ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of 85 or above excluding veteran's preference points. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Applications are not screened for required forms before determining minimum qualifications; therefore, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that all required forms are received in the office by the close of business on or before the closing date of this announcement. Your application materials will not be returned. Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
In accordance with 39 U.S.C Section 415, use of postage-paid government agency envelopes to file job applications or application materials is a violation of federal law and regulations. Applications submitted in postage-paid government envelopes will not be accepted.
If you are unable to fax your documents to OPM to be scanned, fax them to the FSA office at (816)448-5752.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).
Please read all the instructions before you begin.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package, which includes the following:
1. Resume. You may either use USAJOBS Resume Builder to create a resume or create your own; however, your resume must contain the following information: 1) job information for which you are applying; 2) personal information; 3) education; 4) work experience; and, 5) other qualifications.2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents i.e., college transcripts, Veterans documents, etc (see Required Documents section below).
To begin this process, click the "Apply Online" button at the bottom of this screen to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure that you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Please print your "Confirmation of your Submission to Application Manager" for your records. The online Occupational Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Applications are not screened for required documents before determining minimum qualifications. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are received in the office by the close of business on or before the closing date of this announcement. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service etc.
Alternative Method for Submitting Your Application Materials:
If you are unable to apply online, you may fax your application materials to 1-478-757-3144.
If applying online or faxing your application materials poses a hardship, please contact the servicing human resources office during core business hours (8:00am to 4:30 pm central time) prior to the closing date. Requests for hardship will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Make requests in a timely manner to allow enough time to obtain documents and return the completed information to our office.
STEP THREE - Submit other "Required Documents"
1. In addition to your Assessment Questionnaire and Online Resume, other documents may be required (i.e., college transcripts, syllabus/course description, DD-214, etc). At the document Upload screen, select the type of document(s) you are attaching for upload from the drop down menu on the left side of the screen. Select the "Browse" button and attach the file(s) you want to submit.
2. Press the "Upload" button to submit the document(s). You will receive an "Upload Successful" acknowledgement when the file(s) has been received. Please print this notice as proof of your submission.
3. Other “required documents” may also be faxed to (478) 757-3144 using this required fax cover page (please download and print) for uploading into the automated system. Each document should include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which you are applying.
WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
1. If this vacancy announcement has a basic education requirement you must submit a copy of your transcripts. This information should include course title, school name/location, date completed, grade, and number of credits earned. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
2. Syllabus/course description.
3. If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (at least "fully successful" or equivalent), and proof of eligibility, i.e., a RIF separation notice or Certification of Expected Separation, and SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.
4. If you are applying for Veteran Preference, submit evidence of eligibility, DD-214 Member 4, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or Standard Form 15, Application for 10-point veteran preference, and the proof requested on the form.
If you have submitted all your application materials online or FAX, you have completed the application process.
NOTE: Applications are not screened for required forms before determining minimum qualifications; therefore, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that all required forms are received in the office. We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, etc. Your application materials will not be returned. Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
You must submit one full set of supporting documentation for each announcement you are applying to. If you list more than one announcement number on a set of supporting documentation your supporting documentation will only be applied to the first number listed.
After selection, applicants may be required to submit the official college transcript, OF-306 "Declaration for Federal Employment", original social security card, birth certificate, state driver's license or state issued identification card with photograph; also, to be eligible for federal employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify at the time of appointment that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law.
Assessment Questionnaire
Social Security NumberRequired. Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.Vacancy Identification NumberThe Vacancy Identification Number is: UK535258This field does not appear on the online application. You would only need to enter it if using an alternative application method. See Item 2 under Alternative Methods for Completing FORM C. 1. Title of JobSOIL SCIENTIST, GS-470-05/072. Biographic DataAll biographic information is required except for your telephone number and contact time.3. E-Mail Address4. Work InformationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.5. Employment Availability6. CitizenshipAre you a citizen of the United States?7. Background InformationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.8. Other InformationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.9. LanguagesIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.10. Lowest GradeRequired. Enter the 05, the lowest grade level you will accept.050711. Miscellaneous InformationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.12. Special KnowledgeIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.13. Test LocationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.14. Veteran Preference ClaimRequired. Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference. For items 15, 16, 17 and 18 enter date information in this format: MM/DD/YYYY15. Dates of Active Duty - Military ServicePlease enter your dates of active military service, unless you have claimed derived preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.) Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)16. Availability DateYou may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.17. Service Computation DateIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.18. Other Date InformationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.19. Job PreferenceIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.20. Occupational SpecialtiesRequired. 001 Competitive21. Geographic AvailabilityRequired. Enter at least one geographic availability code. The location code(s) for this position is:0710 Throughout Alaska, AK0001 Throughout Alabama, AL0330 Throughout Arkansas, AR0310 Throughout Arizona, AZ1594 Throughout California, CA0340 Throughout Colorado, CO0475 Throughout Connecticut, CT0675 Washington DC Metro Area, DC0480 Throughout Delaware, DE0015 Throughout Florida, FL0035 Throughout Georgia, GA0682 Guam, GU0760 State of Hawaii, HI0150 Throughout Iowa, IA0615 Throughout Idaho, ID0115 Throughout Illinois, IL0135 Throughout Indiana, IN0165 Throughout Kansas, KS0175 Throughout Kentucky, KY0350 Throughout Louisiana, LA0498 Massachusetts, Throughout, MA0490 Throughout Maryland, MD0485 Throughout Maine, ME0185 Throughout Michigan, MI0205 Throughout Minnesota, MN0232 Kansas City Metro area, MO0220 Throughout Missouri, MO0048 Mississippi, Throughout, MS0365 Throughout Montana, MT0060 North Carolina, Throughout, NC0250 Throughout North Dakota, ND0240 Throughout Nebraska, NE0505 New Hampshire, Throughout, NH0510 New Jersey, Throughout, NJ0375 Throughout New Mexico, NM0625 Throughout Nevada, NV0515 Throughout New York, NY0265 Throughout Ohio, OH0395 Throughout Oklahoma, OK0683 American Samoa, OP0640 Throughout Oregon, OR0525 Pennsylvania, Throughout, PA0549 Puerto Rico, PR0540 Rhode Island, Throughout, RI0075 South Carolina, Throughout, SC0285 Throughout South Dakota, SD0090 Throughout Tennessee, TN0415 Throughout Texas, TX0455 Throughout Utah, UT0100 Throughout Virginia, VA0550 The Virgin Islands, VI0545 Throughout Vermont, VT0655 Throughout Washington State, WA0300 Throughout Wisconsin, WI0290 Throughout West Virginia, WV0465 Throughout Wyoming, WY22. Transition Assistance PlanIn this section indicate if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). Otherwise, leave Section 22 blank. Note: To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation. Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.23. Job Related ExperienceIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.24. Personal Background InformationIf you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:Respond to the following questions. Mark only one response for each question. Any experience claimed in response to the following questions MUST be supported by information in your application (resume, OF-612, or other written format). This information must be SPECIFIC, (i.e., duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments). Failure to provide this supporting documentation may result in receipt of a lower or ineligible rating. This position has an educational requirement, failure to submit your college transcript(s) will result in an ineligible rating.1. Do you possess a bachelor's degree with a major in soil science or a related agricultural or natural science discipline, such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, etc. This must include 30 semester hours or the equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in subjects such as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.A. Yes, I possess the education described above.B. No, I do not possess the education described above.2. I possess a 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 biological, physical, or earth sciences, with at least 15 of the semester hours in soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility, plus the appropriate experience or additional education.A. Yes, I have the combination of education and experience to qualify for this position.B. No, I do not possess the required education and/or experience to qualify for this position.3. In addition to meeting the basic educational requirement, have you successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education or do you possess a master's degree or higher graduate degree with a major field of study as listed in "1" above.A. YesB. No4. In addition to meeting the basic educational requirement, do you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level of the Federal service? This experience must have equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Soil Scientist, and was in or related to the work of this position. In addition, this experience must have required the knowledge of the fundamental theories, principles, concepts, and methodoligies of soil conservation, including the use of soil survey data, surveying methods, types of surveying instruments, crop and pasture management, installation of soil and water conservation practices, and various forestry and wildlife conservation practices.A. YesB. No5. Do you possess less than the full amount of graduate education described in "3" and less that the amount of experience described in "4", but you have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience? Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with your experience in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level.A. Yes, I have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience.B. No, I do not have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience.6. Do you meet the requirements for Superior Academic Achievement AND have a Bachelor's degree with a major in soil science or related agricultural or natural science discipline, such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, etc. This included 30 semester hours or the equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in subjects such as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. (Refer to the instructions in this vacancy announcement for this provision).A. Yes, I meet the requirements of Superior Academic Achievement AND have a Bachelor's degree with a major field of study as listed in "1".B. No, I do not meet the requirements of Superior Academic Achievement.7. In addition to meeting the requirement described in 1 or 2, I possess one full year of relevant employment as a Student Trainee with at least one work period of not less than 60 days as a GS-5 or equivalent. A. YesB. No8. Please determine the number of semester hours you possess in each of the Core and Diversity subjects.Core subjects: Soil Geomorphology; Soil Classification (Pedology); Soil Chemistry; Soil Microbiology; Soil Physics; Soil Fertility; Soil Plant Relationship; Soil Genesis/Morphology; and Soil Survey.Diversity subjects: Geology, Geochemistry, Agronomy, Forestry; Regional Planning; Plant Science; Crop Production; Computer Science; Technical Writing; Irrigation/Drainage; Aerial Photo Interpretation; Geographic Information System (GIS); and Statistics.Select the letter that corresponds to the number of core and diversity subjects you possess. A. I have completed 15 or more Core, 9 or more Diversity.B. I have completed 15 or more Core, 4 - 8 Diversity.C. I have completed 15 or more Core, 0 - 3 Diversity.D. None of the above.9. Select the letter that corresponds to the HIGHEST level of education that you fully possess. Select only one letter.A. I possess a Master's degree in Soil Science, or in a field that is qualifying for Soil Scientist.B. I possess one full year of graduate study in a Soil Scientist or related field (18 semester hours) beyond that which I credited in question 3. In other words, if you claimed to qualify with 1 year of graduate education(question 3) you would need to possess an additional year(36 hours total) to select this response.C. I possess 12 semester hours of graduate study in Soil Scientist or related field beyond that which I credited in question 3.D. I possess fewer than 12 semester hours of graduate study in Soil Scientist or related field beyond that which I credited in question 3.E. None of the above.10. Select the letter that corresponds to the MOST professional experience you possess in a directly related field. Select only one letter. Examples of professional experience include working as a soil scientist, soil conservationist, soil engineer, soil chemist, farm manager (where farming management decisions were made by you), etc.A. 0-3 months of experience.B. 4-11 months of experience.C. 1-3 years of experience.D. 3 plus years of experience.11. Select the letter that corresponds to the MOST collateral experience you fully possess. Select only one letter. Examples of collateral experience include work as a soil laboratory technician, biological aide, cartographer, geologist, hydrologist, soil conservation technician, co-op student, etc.A. I possess 0-3 months of collateral experience.B. I possess 4-11 months of collateral experience.C. I possess 1-3 years of collateral experience.D. I possess more than 3 years of collateral experience.12. Have you been a member of a professional organization related to soil science?A. YesB. NoYou are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted.13. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge or experience of the principles, methods, and techniques of soil scientist.A. Identifies, classifies, and surveys soils on the basis of field examination and determination of their characteristics.B. Ability to apply basic soils science knowledge and on-the-job training to soil survey assignments.C. Took courses in related sciences.D. Unpaid experience or volunteer work such as community, cultural, social service, and professional association activities.E. None of the above.14. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge on mapping or aerial photographs.A. Conducts transects on soil mapping, classifies soils, and delineates map unit boundaries on aerial photographs.B. Assists in preparing drafts of mapping unit descriptions and taxonomic unit descriptions.C. Assists with preparing soil maps for digitizing.D. Documents and measures acreage of map units surveyed and checks maps for accuracy.E. None of the above. Support Tasks.DEFAULT SCALE: Please answer YES or NO to questions 15 thru 45. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. A- Yes.B- No.15. Have you examined, identified and delineated areas of different soil types and landscape positions?16. Have you identified, classified, and surveyed soils on the basis of field examination and determination of their characteristics?17. Have you made earthen excavations to describe and document soil profiles?18. Have you described representative soil profiles?19. Have you prepared summaries of transect data showing range in characteristics, pedon classification, landscape position-soil relationships and proposed map unit composition?20. Have you taken field notes on soil characteristics, inclusions in mapping units, land use, physiography, landscape position, and landform relationships?21. Have you gathered supporting information for evaluating soil surveys?22. Have you evaluated lab data for specific soils?23. Have you digitized soil maps by scanning, editing maps, labeling digitized polygon maps or editing digitized maps?24. Have you prepared technical descriptions of individual pedons and of mapping units?25. Have you navigated off roads or trails with a global positioning system (GPS) or compass to designated sample or transect locations?26. Have you conducted assigned field work in adverse weather conditions?27. Have you conducted assigned field work in areas of adverse terrain?28. Have you identified slope groups and tone patterns on the basis of aerial photography examination?29. Do you have experience identifying physical features on aerial photographs?30. Have you recognized photographic patterns and relate these to the significant features of soils that influence their use and management?31. Do you have experience using basic soil science techniques, including soil classification and closely related sciences?32. Do you have working knowledge of soil survey procedures and soil survey operations?33. Have you worked under regular and recurring physical exertion?34. Can you lift and/or carry up to 30lbs. of weight?35. Can you operate and use hand or power tools?36. Can you operate a motor vehicle?37. Have you used Geographic Information System (GIS) applications?38. Have you maintained software and digital map databases?39. Have you used geographic information databases?40. Do you have experience installing and supporting Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?41. Have you successfully taken courses in the computer field with an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?42. Have you successfully taken courses in the geography field with an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?43. Have you assisted with purchase of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software?44. Have you participated in the testing of new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software?45. Have you participated in the training of others on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
Required. Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.
The Vacancy Identification Number is: UK535258This field does not appear on the online application. You would only need to enter it if using an alternative application method. See Item 2 under Alternative Methods for Completing FORM C.
SOIL SCIENTIST, GS-470-05/07
All biographic information is required except for your telephone number and contact time.
Required. Enter the 05, the lowest grade level you will accept.
Required. Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference.
For items 15, 16, 17 and 18 enter date information in this format: MM/DD/YYYY
Please enter your dates of active military service, unless you have claimed derived preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.) Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)
You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.
Required.
Required. Enter at least one geographic availability code. The location code(s) for this position is:
In this section indicate if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). Otherwise, leave Section 22 blank.
Note: To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation. Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.
Respond to the following questions. Mark only one response for each question. Any experience claimed in response to the following questions MUST be supported by information in your application (resume, OF-612, or other written format). This information must be SPECIFIC, (i.e., duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments). Failure to provide this supporting documentation may result in receipt of a lower or ineligible rating. This position has an educational requirement, failure to submit your college transcript(s) will result in an ineligible rating.
1. Do you possess a bachelor's degree with a major in soil science or a related agricultural or natural science discipline, such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, etc. This must include 30 semester hours or the equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in subjects such as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.
2. I possess a 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 biological, physical, or earth sciences, with at least 15 of the semester hours in soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility, plus the appropriate experience or additional education.
3. In addition to meeting the basic educational requirement, have you successfully completed one full year (18 semester hours) of graduate education or do you possess a master's degree or higher graduate degree with a major field of study as listed in "1" above.
4. In addition to meeting the basic educational requirement, do you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level of the Federal service? This experience must have equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Soil Scientist, and was in or related to the work of this position. In addition, this experience must have required the knowledge of the fundamental theories, principles, concepts, and methodoligies of soil conservation, including the use of soil survey data, surveying methods, types of surveying instruments, crop and pasture management, installation of soil and water conservation practices, and various forestry and wildlife conservation practices.
5. Do you possess less than the full amount of graduate education described in "3" and less that the amount of experience described in "4", but you have a combination of graduate education and specialized experience? Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with your experience in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level.
6. Do you meet the requirements for Superior Academic Achievement AND have a Bachelor's degree with a major in soil science or related agricultural or natural science discipline, such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, etc. This included 30 semester hours or the equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in subjects such as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility. (Refer to the instructions in this vacancy announcement for this provision).
7. In addition to meeting the requirement described in 1 or 2, I possess one full year of relevant employment as a Student Trainee with at least one work period of not less than 60 days as a GS-5 or equivalent.
8. Please determine the number of semester hours you possess in each of the Core and Diversity subjects.Core subjects: Soil Geomorphology; Soil Classification (Pedology); Soil Chemistry; Soil Microbiology; Soil Physics; Soil Fertility; Soil Plant Relationship; Soil Genesis/Morphology; and Soil Survey.Diversity subjects: Geology, Geochemistry, Agronomy, Forestry; Regional Planning; Plant Science; Crop Production; Computer Science; Technical Writing; Irrigation/Drainage; Aerial Photo Interpretation; Geographic Information System (GIS); and Statistics.Select the letter that corresponds to the number of core and diversity subjects you possess.
9. Select the letter that corresponds to the HIGHEST level of education that you fully possess. Select only one letter.
10. Select the letter that corresponds to the MOST professional experience you possess in a directly related field. Select only one letter. Examples of professional experience include working as a soil scientist, soil conservationist, soil engineer, soil chemist, farm manager (where farming management decisions were made by you), etc.
11. Select the letter that corresponds to the MOST collateral experience you fully possess. Select only one letter. Examples of collateral experience include work as a soil laboratory technician, biological aide, cartographer, geologist, hydrologist, soil conservation technician, co-op student, etc.
12. Have you been a member of a professional organization related to soil science?
You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted.
13. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge or experience of the principles, methods, and techniques of soil scientist.
14. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge on mapping or aerial photographs.
Support Tasks.DEFAULT SCALE: Please answer YES or NO to questions 15 thru 45. Do not mark more than one answer for each question.
15. Have you examined, identified and delineated areas of different soil types and landscape positions?
16. Have you identified, classified, and surveyed soils on the basis of field examination and determination of their characteristics?
17. Have you made earthen excavations to describe and document soil profiles?
18. Have you described representative soil profiles?
19. Have you prepared summaries of transect data showing range in characteristics, pedon classification, landscape position-soil relationships and proposed map unit composition?
20. Have you taken field notes on soil characteristics, inclusions in mapping units, land use, physiography, landscape position, and landform relationships?
21. Have you gathered supporting information for evaluating soil surveys?
22. Have you evaluated lab data for specific soils?
23. Have you digitized soil maps by scanning, editing maps, labeling digitized polygon maps or editing digitized maps?
24. Have you prepared technical descriptions of individual pedons and of mapping units?
25. Have you navigated off roads or trails with a global positioning system (GPS) or compass to designated sample or transect locations?
26. Have you conducted assigned field work in adverse weather conditions?
27. Have you conducted assigned field work in areas of adverse terrain?
28. Have you identified slope groups and tone patterns on the basis of aerial photography examination?
29. Do you have experience identifying physical features on aerial photographs?
30. Have you recognized photographic patterns and relate these to the significant features of soils that influence their use and management?
31. Do you have experience using basic soil science techniques, including soil classification and closely related sciences?
32. Do you have working knowledge of soil survey procedures and soil survey operations?
33. Have you worked under regular and recurring physical exertion?
34. Can you lift and/or carry up to 30lbs. of weight?
35. Can you operate and use hand or power tools?
36. Can you operate a motor vehicle?
37. Have you used Geographic Information System (GIS) applications?
38. Have you maintained software and digital map databases?
39. Have you used geographic information databases?
40. Do you have experience installing and supporting Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
41. Have you successfully taken courses in the computer field with an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
42. Have you successfully taken courses in the geography field with an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
43. Have you assisted with purchase of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software?
44. Have you participated in the testing of new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software?
45. Have you participated in the training of others on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?
Alternative Methods for Completing the Assessment Questionnaire
Submit your answers via paper application OPM Form 1203-FX. Paper application forms are available to those who are unable to complete the online application. Please apply on-line, if possible. Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application. To obtain and print the OPM Form 1203-FX on the web click here. Note: You can also obtain this form from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) main web page. Follow these steps to locate this form: Site Index; Forms; Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Forms; and finally OPM 1203 FX.
To complete the paper OPM 1203 FX, follow the instructions under "Instructions for answering the questions in the Assessment Questionnaire." Be sure to enter your Social Security Number and the Vacancy Identification Number UK535258 at the top of each of the six pages of the form.
FAX the completed OPM 1203 FX, Assessment Questionnaire to (478) 757-3144 using this required fax cover page (please download and print) for uploading into the automated system.
FARM SERVICE AGENCY Phone: (816)926-6781 TDD: 800-735-2966 Email: exam1@kcc.usda.gov Or write:Farm Service Agency Please do not send mail Apply On-Line Thank You, MO 00000 USA
Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed and evaluated. You will be notified of the status of your application.
If you have questions concerning your application package or about your rating, contact the number listed in the "Agency Contact" section of this announcement.