Research Soil Scientist

Summary This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northeast Area (NEA), at the Food Systems Research Unit in Burlington, VT. In this position, you will help to improve the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of Northeast food systems while enhancing human nutrition. Responsibilities Assesses the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil on small and medium-sized farms. Conducts laboratory, field, and on-farm studies of soil responses to management, impacts of soil on food and feed production and quality, and interactions with regionally relevant environmental challenges, such as water quality deterioration. Identifies opportunities to improve the quality of soils in ways that enhance food system resilience to climate change, improve livelihoods dependent on farms and food businesses, and support public health. Establishes partnerships with supply chain stakeholders to keep research aligned with industry goals and challenges and transfer technology to the public and key industries in the Northeast food system. Identifies opportunities to improve soil health such that regional food systems are better able to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Provides data to the broader team, where it will be used in food system models to infer how processes throughout the food system interact with soil health to influence the outcomes of regional food production and consumption. Collaborates with ARS, other federal agencies, and academic research institutions to study how soil factors influence food quality and to explore soil management options to improve the resilience and economic viability of regional food 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 Requirements for Soil Science Series 0470 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: conducting experimental research in the area of soil science; and publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: researching ways to improve soil health; publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to soil science; and collaborating with internal or external stakeholders. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: analyzing data on environmental changes related to soil health (such as impacts on water quality); researching the impacts of soil quality on food and feed production; publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals related to soil science; and presenting research findings at professional meetings. GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-15 level of this position are: researching the impacts of climate change on soil health in food systems and how to make food systems more economically sustainable; developing soil health datasets to food systems models through peer-reviewed scientific journals; assessing the physical, chemical, or biological properties of soil that support farms' long-term ability to produce food; and presenting research findings at professional meetings. 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. To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. 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 71 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. 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. Research scientists have open-ended promotion potential. Research accomplishments and their impact on the duties and responsibilities of positions are evaluated periodically. The grade level is limited only by the individual's demonstrated ability to perform research of recognized importance to science and technology. Final grade level may be determined by a peer review panel.