Soil Scientist at Agricultural Research Service in Kimberly, Idaho, United States Job Description Summary This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory in Kimberly, ID. In this position, you will provide expertise and support by performing a variety of field sampling techniques, laboratory analytical methods and statistical analysis. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years. Responsibilities Perform a wide range of duties designed to solve soil, water, or air quality research problems. Manage field research plots and operate and maintain automatic data collection equipment. Use established methods to conduct field and laboratory tests and perform soil sample analyses. Actively participate in the modification of existing methods of analysis to improve accuracy, efficiency and to overcome difficulties pertaining to specific systems. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-09: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience collecting agricultural samples in a field environment; analyzing research data or results; and operating field or laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Soil science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Chemistry. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience. GS-11: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience participating in a research project related to soil science; analyzing research data or results; and operating and maintaining scientific field or laboratory equipment. OR Education: Successful completion of three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, if directly related to the position. Related degrees may include Soil science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or Chemistry. OR A combination of doctorate level education and specialized experience. 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. 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. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account