Soil Conservationist

Overview

OVERVIEW
The soil conservationist provides assistance to supervisors, co-workers, partnering agencies and
landowners in Kansas. This employee is required to deliver technical services in both field environments
and office settings while effectively communicating with working associates and the public. The soil
conservationist performs these services as a contract employee of a county conservation district in
support of Natural Resources Conservation Service programs.
The employee’s fundamental mission is to promote conservation planning, practices management and
compliance, and to provide conservation assistance through a variety of program support for which the
Natural Resources Conservation Service has responsibility, as well as assisting the Kansas Department of
Agriculture’s Division of Conservation and local conservation districts with technical provisions of soil
and water conservation programs, most notably federal farm bill and state cost-share programs. The
position will be located in Jetmore, KS to perform duties in a local management unit area encompassing
four counties.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS
1. College level degree in biology, agriculture, natural resources, soil science or related disciplines
2. Ability to effectively interpret information in land use mapping, planning and design documents
3. Background and familiarity with agriculture or natural resources regarding conservation practices
4. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local programs regarding soil and water conservation

SALARY AND PAY RANGE
The soil conservationist position is started at an NRCS equivalent Grade 5 or Grade 7 rating depending
on the level of background and experience of a qualifying candidate. The beginning salary of the Grade
5, Step 1 entry-level is $39,576 plus a $4,800 health insurance incentive. The beginning salary of the
Grade 7, Step 1 entry-level is $49,025 plus a $4,800 health insurance incentive. The soil conservationist
position is eligible to earn promotions to the Grade 9 level which has a beginning salary of $59,966
plus a $4,800 health insurance incentive.