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Soil Conservation Service Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

New Roots Farm Coordinator

Phoenix, AZ

$18 - $24.25/hr

Develop and carry out land management plans covering soil fertility, farm inputs, irrigation ... the Natural Resources Conservation Service. * Represent New Roots at community events and ...

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Soil Conservation Service information

What is the Soil Conservation Service?

The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was a federal agency in the United States, established in 1935, that aimed to reduce soil erosion and improve land management practices. It worked closely with farmers and landowners to implement conservation techniques such as crop rotation, contour plowing, and the establishment of windbreaks. In 1994, the agency was renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), but its mission to promote sustainable land and water use continues. The NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to help conserve soil, water, and other natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a soil conservationist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Soil Conservationist, you need a strong background in environmental science, soil science, and land management, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, conservation planning tools, and regulatory standards is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills set apart top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively developing and implementing conservation strategies that protect soil health and support sustainable land use.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in soil conservation services, and how are these addressed on the job?

Professionals in soil conservation services often encounter challenges such as working with diverse landowners who have different priorities, adapting conservation plans to suit varying soil types and land uses, and staying updated with evolving regulations and conservation technologies. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing education, cross-disciplinary collaboration with agronomists, engineers, and local agencies, and by building strong relationships with landowners to encourage adoption of best practices. Regular field assessments and adaptive management strategies are also key to overcoming site-specific conservation issues.

What is the difference between Soil Conservation Service vs Soil Conservation Technician?

AspectSoil Conservation ServiceSoil Conservation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in agriculture, environmental science, or related fieldsOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with some technical training
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, field sites, rural and agricultural areasFieldwork in rural and agricultural settings, assisting with conservation projects
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation ServiceState and local agencies, conservation districts, USDA NRCS

While the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was the former name of the agency now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Soil Conservation Technician is a technical role within that agency. Technicians support conservation projects, perform field assessments, and assist in implementing soil and water conservation practices. The main difference lies in the SCS being an organization, whereas the Technician is a job position within that organization.

How to become a soil conservation service professional?

To become a soil conservation service professional, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or a related field is required. Relevant skills include knowledge of erosion control, land management, and use of conservation tools, and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control can enhance job prospects.

What does a soil conservation service officer do?

A soil conservation service officer develops and implements plans to prevent soil erosion, improve land use, and promote sustainable farming practices. They often conduct field inspections, collect data, and collaborate with landowners and agencies to protect natural resources. Knowledge of environmental science, land management, and relevant tools like GIS is essential for this role.

What skills do you need to be a soil conservation service technician?

A soil conservation service technician needs strong knowledge of soil science, environmental regulations, and conservation practices. Skills in data collection, report writing, and use of tools like GPS and GIS are important, along with the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Relevant certifications or training in environmental science or related fields are often required.

What are popular job titles related to Soil Conservation Service jobs in Arizona?

For Soil Conservation Service jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Soil Conservation Service job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Irrigation System Operator

US Department of the Interior

Poston, AZ • On-site

$36K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

418th of 856 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Superintendent, Colorado River Agency in Poston, Arizona. The Irrigation System Operator will regulate and distribute irrigation water from and between storage reservoirs at diversions and in canals, and at all delivery points within the specified work territory.

This is a Bargaining Unit position, for more information see USA Jobs What are bargaining units
Qualifications:EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards)
This is an open continuous vacancy announcement and applications will be referred when vacancies occur. This announcement is intended as a mechanism of providing consideration for the greatest number of potential candidates. Candidates with a complete application will be considered for all vacancies that occur for a 3-month period or the closing date of this announcement, whichever comes first.
Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for three months and may be used at any time during this period. After 3 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.
Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume.).
To be hired at the GS-4 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized experience General Experience is defined as (1) Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Example of this work can be defined as recording work orders, reporting emergency situations or problems, cleaning ditches, operating hand tools, assist with weed control, complies with safety instructions.
Specialized Experience is defined as Farming or ranching work that provided knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and irrigation procedures used in the geographical area for which application is made. Construction, maintenance, or operating work that provided a knowledge of the control, regulation, distribution, and measurement of water. Controlling, clearing, repairing, and maintaining irrigation ditches, canals, and equipment, or soil conservation or engineering technician work where the duties provided a knowledge of irrigation procedures.
OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as civil engineering, agriculture, soil management or conservation, physical science, mathematics, or range management or conservation.
To be hired at the GS-5 entry grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service.Specialized Experience is defined as farming or ranching work that provided knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and irrigation procedures used in the geographical area for which application is made. Construction, maintenance, or operating work that provided a knowledge of the control, regulation, distribution, and measurement of water. Controlling, clearing, repairing, and maintaining irrigation ditches, canals, and equipment, or soil conservation or engineering technician work where the duties provided a knowledge of irrigation procedures.
OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GS-5 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Successful completion of a full 4-year of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as civil engineering, agriculture, soil management or conservation, physical science, mathematics, or range management or conservation.
To be hired at the GS-6 grade level, applicants must minimally have: One year specialized experience equivalent to a GS-5 in the federal service.Specialized experience is defined as Farming or ranching work that provided knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and irrigation procedures used in the geographical area for which application is made. Construction, maintenance, or operating work that provided a knowledge of the control, regulation, distribution, and measurement of water. Controlling, clearing, repairing, and maintaining irrigation ditches, canals, and equipment, or soil conservation or engineering technician work where the duties provided a knowledge of irrigation procedures.
At the GS-6 level Education is normally not applicable. The full performance level of this position is GS-6. Promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. A career ladder promotion is at the discretion of management, and in no way guaranteed.
Physical Requirements: physical lifting, pulling, carrying, lift, carry and set up tools, equipment, lumber, cement steel and other items weighing up to 100 pounds. Maneuver on and around project structures both during maintenance and during operation; includes standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and working in typical construction and maintenance worksites (trenches, scaffolds, platforms, ladders).
Working Conditions: Outside work in all kinds of weather, on all kinds of terrain and with footing conditions from dry and solid to wet, deep mud and around deep water. Breathing conditions are generally good, but temperatures vary by location.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.
Education:If you are qualifying based on your education, you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education which shows the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATIONEmployment Type: OTHER

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