USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for a Soil Conservationist position in Monticello, Utah. The permanent full-time role is offered at the GS-11/12 level with annual pay from $74,678 to $116,362. One vacancy is listed, and the announcement closes August 24, 2026.
This is a field-oriented conservation position that works directly with agricultural land, landowners and conservation partners. The selected employee supports conservation districts and helps develop practical plans for soil, water, vegetation, livestock and other natural-resource concerns.
What the Soil Conservationist Does
The employee is responsible for managing agricultural-resource work and helping implement soil and water conservation plans. A major part of the job is evaluating conditions on private land and turning those findings into conservation alternatives that landowners can understand and use.
Resource assessments are completed using Field Office Technical Guide criteria and NRCS technical tools. The specialist then works with landowners to identify problems, set objectives, inventory resources and decide which conservation practices fit the property.
Conservation Planning and Landowner Support
The position develops comprehensive conservation plans for district projects and explains both technical and financial assistance that may be available for implementation.
Advice can involve soil interpretation, erosion control, water quality, livestock management, pest or invasive-species concerns, wildlife habitat and forest management. The work also requires coordination with conservation districts, tribes and local, state and federal partners.
Education and GS-11 Requirements
Applicants must first meet the GS-0457 basic education requirement. The degree route covers soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural-resource discipline with specified coursework in soils, crops or plant science. A qualifying education-and-experience combination can also satisfy the basic requirement.
For GS-11, applicants then need one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 involving conservation or resource-management plans and communication with landowners or land managers. A related Ph.D. or three years of progressively higher graduate education can also be used at this grade.
GS-12 Experience
GS-12 requires at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. The experience includes preparing complex conservation plans, providing implementation or financial assistance, giving technical guidance and managing workloads or annual work plans.
There is no education substitution for the GS-12 specialized-experience requirement.
Field Conditions and Application Rules
The job can require extensive walking over rough terrain and work around farm or earth-moving machinery, adverse weather, insects, plants and other outdoor conditions. A valid state motor-vehicle operator’s license must be maintained.
The federal resume cannot exceed two pages. Applicants using education must provide transcripts, and current federal applicants need the personnel and performance documents required by the announcement.
How to Apply
Apply through USAJOBS before the August 24 closing date. This particular announcement is not open to the general public, so confirm that you fall within one of the listed USDA or career-transition eligibility groups.
Applications Closed
The closing date for this opportunity was 24 August 2026.