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Careers with NRCS

Soil Conservationist

NRCS Soil Conservationists spend most of their time in the field working with farmers, and other land users. They offer conservation planning and technical help to everyone from family farmers to local government officials. They suggest ways to conserve the soil, improve water quality, manage nutrients, and protect and improve wildlife habitat. 

Qualifications

A degree in a Soil Conservation, or a related discipline such as Natural Resources, Agriculture, Agronomy, Soil, Plant or Crop Science.

Coursework must have included 30 semester hours in agriculture or the natural sciences. Additionally, you must have at least 12 semester hours in soil, crop or plant science. Of those 12 hours, at least three must have been in Soil Science.

Soil Conservation Technician

NRCS Soil Conservation Technicians (SCT) work on the land with farmers to show them how to install conservation practices and oversee the quality of those practices. They conduct engineering surveys and design standard conservation practices such as waterways, terraces, and agricultural waste management systems.    

Qualifications

Knowledge of farm operations. Coursework or experience that involved designing and implementing conservation practices. 

Soil Scientist

NRCS Soil Scientists map and classify soils. They identify problems such as wetness and erosion. They use aerial photographs to map soils and write soil descriptions. They sample soils and evaluate quality, analyze watershed information and record changes in land use patterns.  

Qualifications

A degree in a Soil Science or a closely related discipline. Coursework must have included 30 semester hours in Biological, Physical, or Earth Science. Additionally, you must have at least 15 semester hours in courses such as Soil Genesis, Pedology, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics or Soil Fertility. 

Engineer

NRCS Engineers develop and utilize specialized skills in erosion control, water management, structural design, construction, hydraulics, soil mechanics, and environmental protection. They develop and implement stream bank and erosion control measures and water supply systems. They design waste management systems and concrete and earthen dams. NRCS typically employs Agricultural, Civil, or Environmental Engineers. 

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in Agricultural, Civil, or Environmental Engineering.

Civil Engineering Technician

NRCS Civil Engineering Technicians (CET) plan, design structures used in conservation practices. They conduct surveys to gather data, make computations, prepare maps and design drawings, and serve as an NRCS representative during construction. 

Qualifications

Coursework or experience in the engineering field.

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Additional Information

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New Employee Guide (PDF; 84 KB)

Contact Information

If you encounter any problems with files provided on this page, have questions, suggestions, or find a broken link, please contact Gary Vandawalker at 315-477-6546.

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