Agronomist

POSITION TITLE: AGRONOMIST (GS7-1)

SALARY:                $55,924 (BASED ON HOURLY RATE OF $26.80/HR)

POSITION TYPE:   FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT*

LOCATION:            BELTSVILLE, MD

START DATE:          IMMEDIATELY

ABOUT US:

The Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Board, Inc. is a nonprofit organization administering projects related to resource conservation, habitat restoration, forestry, agricultural preservation and wetland restoration. We were founded in 1971.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

In coordination with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this position provides resources to farmers and landowners to aid them with conservation practices. The organization’s mission is to develop and implement sound policies and plans for natural resource development, enhancement, and protection. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment.  “Helping People Help the Land”. 

This position serves the regional area of Southern Maryland. This position has a current term of 20 months (12/31/25), but there is a high probability for extension.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides technical assistance in promoting agronomic practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotations, cover crops, and nutrient and pest management through direct assistance to field office personnel and producers. Assesses and evaluates soil and water resource management problems and farming practices on individual or multiple tracts of land in the assigned area. Analyzes, develops, and recommends alternative conservation solutions that are within NRCS standards and specifications.
• Keeps current on latest precision agriculture, soil and plant science, biology, and pesticide and nutrient management technological developments.
• Maintains knowledge of federal, state, and local water and pollution control laws to ensure compliance in planning and designing agronomic and nutrient management systems.
• Participates in the development of agronomic phases of conservation plan development to address identified resource concerns.
• Provides agronomic information, assistance, and guidance to individuals and/or groups. Conducts regular follow up in an effort to review and determine if implemented practices are effective in achieving the cooperators’ objectives.
• Assists the supervisor and/or other specialists to stimulate interest with local operators, groups, units of government, and businesses in NRCS programs and agricultural methods.
• Becomes familiar with agronomic technical guide standards and assists in evaluation of cropping systems from an economic, environmental and agronomic standpoint.
• Becomes familiar with the application of the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE2), the wind erosion equation (WEQ), the pesticide screening spreadsheet, and the pesticide screening tool (Win-PST) in order acquire knowledge and to assist in training others.
• Develops an understanding of methods of new and enhanced natural resources management practices to explain/demonstrate methods to farmers and ranchers.
• Acquires an understanding of agronomic principles of Organic System Plans to assist field offices in planning and application of agronomic conservation practices.
• Ability to communicate well with others to discuss, explain, and advocate natural resources, water quality projects, conservation measures, plans, and objectives to individuals and at meetings involving conservation leaders and representatives from state and other federal agencies.
• Participates in quality assurance reviews and other appraisals, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A degree in agronomy or soil conservation or natural resource discipline such as soil science, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.

Or

The applicant must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to a 4-year degree.

• 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

In addition, the following are expected of applicants:

• Strong communication skills
• Knowledge and/or experience with livestock operations
• Willingness to work outside in rough terrain and inclement weather
• Proficiency in use of computers and applications
• The ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities
• A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies. A security clearance is not a requirement.
• The position will require occasional travel.
• The candidate must have a valid state driver’s license.
• Must be willing to relocate or commute to duty station (Beltsville, MD).
• The ability to have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit.
• The candidate must have U.S. citizenship.

A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies. Security clearance is not a requirement.