Basic Requirements:

Economist Series, 0110:

A. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Agronomy Series, 0471:

A. Degree: agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as shown in A 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.

At the 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:

• Experience managing a soil, crop, water or natural resource management research project, including personnel, equipment, facilities and fiscal resources;
• Experience publishing research focused on soil, crop, water or natural resource management as the primary author that lead to awards, honors, or other recognition from major national and international organizations; AND
• Experience conducting research in at least ONE of the following:
  • 1. Experience improving crop management in dryland production systems;
  • 2. Experience increasing efficiencies of agroecosystem sustainability;
  • 3. Experience developing and evaluating management strategies for sustainable use of agricultural production; or
  • 4. Experience determining economic, environmental and production tradeoffs of improved soil management practices.

At the 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:

• Experience managing a soil, crop, water or natural resource management research project, including personnel, equipment, facilities and fiscal resources;
• Experience publishing research focused on soil, crop, water or natural resource management as the primary author that lead to awards, honors, or other recognition from major national and international organizations;
• Experience conducting research in at least ONE of the following:
  • 1. Experience improving crop management in dryland production systems;
  • 2. Experience increasing efficiencies of agroecosystem sustainability;
  • 3. Experience developing and evaluating management strategies for sustainable use of agricultural production; or
  • 4. Experience determining economic, environmental and production tradeoffs of improved soil management practices.

AND

• Experience improving the economic and environmental viability of a crop production system.

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.

Supervisory/Managerial Competencies – the following KSAs will also be used to evaluate candidates in the interview and selection process:
1. Ability to lead and accomplish work through others (i.e. team building, conflict management, cultural awareness, strategic thinking, technology management, and political savvy.)
2. Ability to communicate with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds in a variety of situations.

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.

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.

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.