Natural Resources Conservation Service
Natural Resources Conservation Service

3 Natural Resources Conservation Service Jobs Hiring Near You

Natural Resources Conservation Service Jobs Information

What is it like to work at Natural Resources Conservation Service?

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency that values collaboration, innovation, and environmental stewardship, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among its employees.

As a part of the US Department of Agriculture, NRCS employees work in a dynamic environment that involves collaborating with landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement conservation plans that promote soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. The agency's mission is to help people conserve and sustain natural resources, and its employees work in a variety of settings, including offices, laboratories, and field locations.

Working at NRCS may appeal to individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation, enjoy working outdoors, and value the opportunity to make a positive impact on local communities and the nation's natural resources.

What makes Natural Resources Conservation Service an attractive place to work?

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a reputable organization within the United States Department of Agriculture, dedicated to helping people conserve and sustain natural resources. As an employer, NRCS offers a collaborative work environment that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth, with opportunities to work on diverse projects and initiatives that contribute to the nation's environmental and agricultural well-being. Joining NRCS can provide individuals with a chance to make a meaningful impact, develop their skills, and advance their careers in a field that prioritizes conservation and sustainability.

Do workers at the Natural Resources Conservation Service get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
80% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2025.

Does the Natural Resources Conservation Service pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
93% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.

Is the health insurance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
67% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and April 2026.

Do workers at the Natural Resources Conservation Service worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
83% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2025.

How easy is it for the Natural Resources Conservation Service workers to change shifts?

Most people find it easy to change shifts.
100% of people report that it’s easy to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2025.

How easy is it to get time off at the Natural Resources Conservation Service?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
93% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do the Natural Resources Conservation Service managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
100% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2025.

Do jobs at the Natural Resources Conservation Service spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
17% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2025.

How easy is it to take sick days at the Natural Resources Conservation Service?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
100% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Is working at the Natural Resources Conservation Service good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
100% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and July 2025.

Do people at the Natural Resources Conservation Service feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
100% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and December 2025.

Do people at the Natural Resources Conservation Service get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
89% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and December 2025.

Is it stressful to work at the Natural Resources Conservation Service?

Most people feel stressed here.
80% of people say they often feel stressed at work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and December 2025.

Do people at the Natural Resources Conservation Service enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
79% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.

Do people at the Natural Resources Conservation Service recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
44% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at the Natural Resources Conservation Service?

Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
50% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.

Do people get support to advance at the Natural Resources Conservation Service?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 57% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.

Do people think the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
100% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and April 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how the Natural Resources Conservation Service is doing?

Most people don’t feel well informed about how the company is doing.
82% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

What are the most popular states for Natural Resources Conservation Service jobs?

Infographic showing various job openings at Natural Resources Conservation Service in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Natural Resource Specialist (Resource Conservationist)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$96K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Natural Resources Conservation Service rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Office. The incumbent serves on the staff of the Assistant State Conservationist (Programs) and provides statewide support for all NRCS Conservation Programs. The position also manages one or more Financial Assistance Programs, ensuring effective coordination and delivery of program services.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Functions as the primary Program Manager for NRCS Financial Assistance Programs, coordinating program funding statewide and providing input on budget discussions related to program utilization and opportunities.
  • Coordinates support to field offices for efficient program delivery, including tracking technical assistance fund use and obligations.
  • Applies knowledge of NRCS conservation planning principles and resource concerns to ensure consistent implementation of Financial Assistance Programs, ensuring compliance with legislation, USDA, and NRCS requirements.
  • Interprets national guidance on Conservation Programs and develops conservation program implementation strategies
  • Develops manual supplements, bulletins, and guidance documents consistent with national guidance

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected, you may be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are unable to reimburse for any fees incurred.
  • Probationary and Trial Period - Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period unless previous federal service is creditable. Refer to Next Steps for more information.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
  • The incumbent serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator on public and private roads during daylight and after dark if needed to perform the duties of the position, must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Basic Education Requirement: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position;
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience for the GS-12: To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Devising and implementing short- and long-term conservation plans, integrating resource development projects, simple to complex conservation strategies and accompanying justifications;
  • Assisting with the management of NRCS Financial Assistance programs;
  • Independently functioning as a Program Manager, or providing input to the Program Manager with the management of agency financial resources to formulate conservation priorities and multi-year objectives.

Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
College Transcript: If qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript with course number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g., special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college to ensure proper evaluation. Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
VEOA: Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA): Provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Physical Demands: The work requires physical exertion sufficient to be able to walk across farmland, rangeland, or forested terrain for periods of several hours' duration, carrying loads of less than 20 pounds. Office work is primarily sedentary.
Work Environment: Work environment is variable. In the office, the work is primarily performed in a well lighted, climate-controlled office setting. In the field, the environment may include extreme cold, hot sun, rain and snow, exposure to biting insects, poisonous plants, and wildlife; special protective measures may be required.
Motor Vehicles: The incumbent serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator on public and private roads during daylight and after dark if needed to perform the duties of the position. A valid state operator's license is required.
Telework: This position is eligible for telework as determined by the agency policy.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
Bargaining Unit: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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