Conservation Planner
What you'd do
This position is a Conservation Planner, GS- 0401-11/12 working in Honolulu, HI for the R1-Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Major duties
As a Conservation Planner your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Plans, evaluates, conducts a wide variety of complex analyses of refuge management and restoration projects to determine their effects upon biological, physical, cultural, and socioeconomic resources to ensure that legal standards, regulations, policy, and other requirements are met. Reviews and/or writes all or portions of environment assessment/impact statements for refuge plans to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on the environment. Provides expert technical guidance, review, and comment on documents, and other support (e.g., participation in public and inter-agency meetings, and some document development) for refuge plans, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, compatibility determinations, mitigation plans, other compliance documents and processes, and permits and approvals. Participates in the development, review, and processing of a variety of permits and other compliance documents for refuges in coordination with refuge and regional office staff, Federal, Tribal, and state agencies; and with other parties as required. Examples include refuge appropriateness findings and compatibility determinations; ESA Section 7 compliance; and refuge wilderness reviews. Ensures that due dates are met and policies are followed. Leads and coordinates the development of comprehensive plans and project-level plans for the conservation of National Wildlife Refuge System natural resources and development of opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation under a variety of conditions. Leads, develops, coordinates, or reviews plans that may encompass any and all programs that affect refuge fish and/or wildlife and their habitat conditions including, but not limited to, comprehensive conservation plans, natural resources (habitat) management, fire management, visitor services, hunting and fishing management and/or habitat restoration. Reviews and comments on reports or environmental documents prepared by environmental consultants to ensure they meet legal, policy, and contract requirements. Gathers, organizes, and interprets biological, ecological, socioeconomic, public use, or other pertinent information to ensure management and project plans are current and accurate. Supports the implementation of management plans, studies and investigations required for species propagation/production, resource protection, ecological factors, public information, and other aspects of natural resource management.
What you need to qualify
Only experience and education obtained by 07/31/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: I have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR I have a combination of education and experience--courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours (or equivalent) earned towards your degree and divide by 120 semester hours (or equivalent). To determine the percentage of qualifying experience, divide the total number of months of acceptable specialized experience by 12 months. Add your percentages of education and experience together. The two percentages must total at least 100%. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience may include 1) Lead planning teams on natural resource planning projects for the conservation of public lands; 2) Develop comprehensive wildlife management plans related to wildlife resources and recreation opportunities of an area; 3) Prepare and review environmental assessments or portions impact statements or comprehensive resource planning reports to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions; 4) Understand and implement environmental laws (e.g., National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, Endangered Species Act, specifically Sections 7 and 10; National Environmental Policy Act), regulations, and polices involving management of the conservation of public lands. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail to prove you have one (1) year performing these duties. OR I have completed 3 years of graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a field directly related to this position. NOTE: To be found qualified under this option, you must submit transcripts (official or unofficial) to verify your education. OR A combination of education and experience as described above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Minimum Qualifications [GS-12] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience may include 1) coordinating within and across large regional partnerships (e.g. Migratory Bird Joint Ventures, Fish Habitat Partnerships, National Estuary Program, Network for Landscape Conservation) to co-develop priorities, action strategies, and joint operations that achieve measurable ecological outcomes at scales ranging from local (or site) scale, to watershed (or landscape) scale, to regional and national scale; 2) applying conservation and resource management policies and objectives and their application to the conservation of trust resources at multiple spatial scales; 3) developing interagency projects and programs to define science-based objectives and provide guidance and direction in the implementation of private, state, and federal conservation programs on both public and private lands; 4) science collaboration associated with ecosystem conservation initiatives focused on specific fish and wildlife conservation issues. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail to prove you have one (1) year performing these duties. 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 or for Federal Wage System (FWS)
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