Wildlife Refuge Specialist
What you'd do
This position serves as a Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS- 0485-11 working in California for the San Luis National Refuge Complex. The incumbent of this position assists the Wildlife Refuge Manager in the development and administration of the operating program and other activities. Refuge operations and programs include wildlife biology, ecology, habitat management, natural resource program management, visitor services, outreach and education programs, and volunteer programs.
Major duties
As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Participates in the review of projects proposed by other bureaus/agencies, stakeholders/partners (i.e., U.S. Forest Service, state fish and wildlife agencies, Tribal representatives), identifying possible conflicts with refuge management objectives, and develops comments and recommendations for the Wildlife Refuge Manager and senior management approval. Participates in the development of required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (or portions thereof) including Environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions. Coordinates with the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the gathering and consolidating of data. Participates in the design of outreach and educational programs for the community; and provides input to the development of a variety of information such as brochures, interpretive panels/exhibits, and websites. Prepares administrative reports, annual narrative reports, and other documents associated with wildlife management and administrative programs. Utilizes engineering and construction techniques as applied to Refuge/WMD infrastructure, training and operation of heavy equipment, reporting requirements.
What you need to qualify
Only experience and education obtained by 07/15/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: A. I have completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. B. I have completed courses in an accredited college or university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study. NOTE: This experience must be detailed in your resume if qualifying under this standard. C. My education and/or experience is not described above. Minimum Qualification GS-11 One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience may include: 1) planning, administering, evaluating, managing, or operating some programs, activities and projects associated with conserving and managing fish and/or wildlife resources for a large program; 2) managing natural resources on public or private lands for the purpose of providing critical habitat for fish and/or wildlife, 3) using a variety of communication methods to convey technical or non-technical natural resource information to a variety of audiences; 4) leading a small team of professional or nonprofessional personnel in a natural resource environment. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. of each timeframe for consideration; OR Three years of progressively higher level graduate education or PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study directly related to the position. NOTE: Transcripts required; OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions
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