USDA-FOREST SERVICE
SOUTHERN REGION (REGION 8)
ATLANTA, GA
R EG IO N AL S OIL S CIE N TIS T AN D P RO GR AM M AN AGE R
GS-0470-12/13
The USDA Forest Service, R8-Southern Region, is planning to fill a permanent position for a
Regional Soil Scientist Program Manager GS-0470 12/13 for the Regional Office Biological and
Physical Resources Staff.
A description of the duties, point of contact, and an outreach reply form for the position are
provided. If you are interested in this opportunity, please let us know by returning the reply form by
September 5, 2014.
For further information on this position, please contact:
Michael Crump
Acting Director for Biological and Physical Resources
(404) 347-3872
E-mail: mcrump@fs.fed.us
This position is located in a Forest Service Regional Office. The incumbent serves as the
Regional Soil Scientist with responsibility for providing leadership and management
direction to the soil program and watershed improvement program within the Region.
These activities include, but are not limited to, the Burned Area Emergency Rehab
program, National Cooperative Soil Survey, soil management investigations, soil monitoring
and special studies, soil interpretations, ecological unit inventory, soils data steward, and
training of field specialists and users of soil information. It also includes watershed
condition classification, watershed restoration action planning and implementation,
watershed program input to the regional budget process, database management, and
accountability tracking.
Duties:
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Manages the Regional Soils Program. Develops, recommends, and coordinates
regional policy and direction for soil survey, ecological unit mapping, and soil
resource protection and enhancement. Provides leadership and quality assurance
for the Region’s soil program and for the environmental aspects of the watershed
condition classification and restoration. Serves on review teams to assess Forest
Programs and the coordination of other staff programs on soil and ecosystem
management. Serves as the Regional BAER (Burned Area Emergency Rehab)
coordinator.
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Leads or Co-leads the regional Watershed Improvement Program, develops budget,
out year planning, target allocations and oversees accomplishment tracking.
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Provides regional input to national soil and ecosystem management issue and
reports. Serves on national multi-agency work groups and task forces addressing
ecosystem classification and management issues at National, State, and local
levels. Provides inter-Regional coordination on soil resource issues and
management methods. Interprets national direction and develops modification
relevant to the Region for implementation at the Region and Forest level.
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Provides technical guidance, development and modification of objectives and
procedures for interpretive guides and standards for inventory, classification,
mapping and monitoring of soil resources, which focus on determining current
condition, assessing inherent capability, recommending management revisions, and
monitoring progress as needed for Forest Plans. Modifies existing techniques and
develops new ones as necessary to address the soil and ecological conditions
prevalent in the Region.
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Represents the Region in program reviews and work planning conferences involving
state, federal and private organizations involved with the National Cooperative Soil
Survey. Serves as liaison between the National Forests in the Region, the Regional
Office, and federal agencies and professional organizations. Attends meetings and
hearings scheduled in the Region on behalf of the Regional Forester and other field
units.
Duty Location:
Atlanta, GA
Community Information:
The Greater Atlanta area spans 20 counties with approximately 4.3 million people. The
population is diverse, with over 100 languages spoken. Cable television networks
broadcast in Spanish and multi-cultural newspapers are also available. Ethnic specialty
stores can be found in neighborhoods, and an amazing variety of foods from around the
globe are available at various world farmers markets located throughout the city.
CLIMATE:
Atlanta is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The topography is rolling
to hilly, and slopes downward toward the east, west and south so that drainage of the
major river systems is generally into the Gulf of Mexico from the western and southern
sections of the city and to the Atlantic from the eastern portions of the city. Atlanta also
has a mean elevation of about 1,060 feet above sea level, making it the second highest
major city in America.
Average annual rainfall of approximately 50 inches keeps the rolling, wooded terrain a
lush green from early spring until late fall. Called "America’s greenest city", the metro
area has an estimated 6 million trees.
The city has a distinct change of seasons with mild winters (less than 1.5 inches of snow)
and warm summers, (approximately 30 days over 92 degrees). Average relative humidity
is approximately 70%. A gardener’s paradise, the city is blessed with a ten month
growing season and to see Atlanta in April is a visual treat as nature turns the city and its
many paths into a fairyland of pink and white dogwood and fragrant late spring flowers.
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HOUSING:
Rental apartments are plentiful in the city and surrounding metro area with prices
depending on location. There are abundant opportunities to purchase a house in the
area, with prices depending on location. Atlanta’s cost of living is lower than many other
major metropolitan areas including Washington, DC, New York, Boston, Denver, Portland,
Orlando and Charlotte, NC.
MEDICAL:
A good selection of health care is available, including doctors, dentists, and specialists. A
wide variety of home care, adult day care, nursing homes and mental health facilities are
available.
EDUCATION:
Local area schools offer either public or private educational opportunities for K-12. There
are several colleges and universities located within the metro area including Spelman
College, Morehouse College, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology,
Emory University, Oglethorpe University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta College
of Art, Agnes Scott College and numerous vocational and technical schools.
SHOPPING:
Starting near the center of Atlanta with Lenox Mall, there are 7 generations of malls
extending to the new Georgia Mall, the largest mall in the southeast. Neighborhood areas
have unique shops.
CHURCHES:
Atlanta's churches exude charm, with friendly faces and the spirit of community. The
abundance of churches in the city makes it easy to drop in and worship. The Sweet
Auburn district houses one of the most famous churches in Atlanta, Ebenezer Baptist
Church, where three generations of the King family have preached. The original building
is now a living museum, open for daily tours. A larger sanctuary was recently built and
dedicated right across the street from the former building where members may worship.
Atlanta's hospitality is prominent with some of the warmest and most historically
significant congregations.
AREA ATTRACTIONS:
 Apex Museum depicts the cultural heritage of African Americans
 Atlanta Botanical Gardens, an oasis of beauty minutes from downtown
 Atlanta History Center, the story of Atlanta’s past
 Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympic Games and site of numerous
festivals
 Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area extends 48 miles along the river
into Atlanta
 Coca Cola Lakewood Amphitheatre, site of big name concerts
 CNN Studio Tours offered daily
 Herndon Home, built in 1910 by Alonzo F. Herndon, a former slave and barber
who became Atlanta’s first African American millionaire
 Carter Presidential Center features a museum detailing Jimmy Carter’s life and
presidency
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Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site commemorates the civil rights leader
Michael C. Carlos Museum emphasizes art and archaeology of ancient cultures
from the Mediterranean and Near East
Philips Arena, live shows and sporting events including hockey and basketball
Six Flags Over Georgia, family theme park with more than 100 thrill rides
Sweet Auburn District, an area rich with history, the thriving center of African
American enterprise from the 1890s through the 1940s
Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team
Underground Atlanta, restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment below the
streets
White Water Park, water slides and water fun
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, the largest Jewish museum in the SE
The World of Coca-Cola Pavilion pays tribute to the soft drink invented in Atlanta
CONTACT:
If you are interested in this position, contact Michael Crump, Acting Director of
Biological and Physical Resources at (404) 347-7397 or mcrump@fs.fed.us
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OUTREACH REPLY FORM
USDA-FOREST SERVICE
SOUTHERN REGION (REGION 8)
ATLANTA, GA
R EG IO N AL S OIL S CIE N TIS T AN D P RO GR AM M AN AGE R
GS-0470-12/13
Please respond by September 5, 2014
RETURN REPLY FORM TO:
Michael A. Crump
Acting Director for Biological and Physical Resources
Forest Service Southern Region
p: 404-347-3872
f: 404-347-2789
mcrump@fs.fed.us
1720 Peachtree RD NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________
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AGENCY EMPLOYED WITH: ______USFS _____BLM ______OTHER_________
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CURRENT REGION/FOREST/DISTRICT: _______________________________________________
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WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT VACANCY/OUTREACH?________________________________
IF NOT A CURRENT PERMANENT (CAREER OR CAREER CONDITIONAL) EMPLOYEE ARE YOU
ELIGIBLE TO BE HIRED UNDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL AUTHORITIES:
____ PERSON WITH DISABILITIES
____ DISABLED VETERANS W/30% COMPENSABLE DISABILITY
____VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 1998
____ FORMER PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER
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This outreach form does not constitute an application
Submission of this form is voluntary, but is encouraged.
Thank you for your interest!
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