About the opportunity
This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Tennessee State office. The State Conservation Engineer serves as a key advisor to the State Conservationist on all engineering phases of NRCS programs, including the formulation of standards, specifications, engineering planning, design, and construction. The incumbent provides staff leadership, manages engineering resources, monitors budgets, and establishes technical engineering standards and procedures. The role also involves analyzing engineering work and training needs, and training field personnel. This is a full-time federal position subject to a one-year probationary period and requires maintaining a valid state professional engineering license.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $106,437 – $138,370 per annum
- Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy
- Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- Career development plan for positions with promotion potential
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
- Must possess a current professional engineering license in the state of work
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to GS-12 grade level
- Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license
- Subject to background investigation and/or fingerprint check
- Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification
Required documents
- Resume (maximum 2 pages) including personal information, education, and work experience
- College transcripts (unofficial accepted for application, official required if selected)
- Evidence of foreign education accreditation (if applicable)
- SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (for current/former federal employees)
- Most recent performance appraisal (for current/former federal employees)
- Proof of eligibility for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 2026-09-08
How to apply
- Read the full announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Click the 'Apply' button to initiate the process
- Complete the Assessment Questionnaire
- Attach resume and all required supporting documents
- Verify that documents transfer correctly into the agency's staffing system
Additional information
- This is a non-bargaining unit position.
- The position requires submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450).
- Errors or omissions in the application may affect rating or result in disqualification.
- The agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professional engineers with a current state license seeking a leadership role in conservation
- Individuals with experience managing engineering programs and staff at a state or regional level
- Professionals interested in advising on engineering standards for natural resource programs
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires maintaining a valid professional engineering license in the state of work
- The position is subject to a one-year probationary period and financial disclosure requirements
- Telework eligibility is subject to agency policy, so applicants should verify current local arrangements
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an excellent opportunity for a licensed engineer to pivot into a high-level advisory and leadership position within the NRCS. It is ideal for those who want to apply their technical expertise to environmental and conservation policy while managing engineering resources and training field personnel in Tennessee.
Our take
This is a strong career move for licensed engineers looking to lead conservation efforts. It is less suitable for those who do not hold a current professional engineering license or who are not prepared for the responsibilities of a state-level advisory role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
