Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Albuquerque, NM

4d

About The Position

The Land Management Law Enforcement Officer serves in the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is a temporary promotion not to exceed one year, which may be extended up to five years and may be made permanent without further competition. At the GS-13 full-performance level, the officer serves as a senior advisor and technical expert to Headquarters Law Enforcement management on the refuge law enforcement program and related issues. The role supports national policy and operational planning and ensures program activities comply with applicable policies, regulations, and legal requirements.

The officer serves as a senior liaison between Headquarters management and the Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, other land-management bureaus and agencies, and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The position develops working relationships, exchanges information, coordinates enforcement activities, and supports consistent implementation of refuge law enforcement policy and strategies across the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The position may require on-call availability, evening, weekend, holiday, overtime, and shift work. Overnight travel away from home may be required up to 50% of the time. Duties are suitable for telework, which may be permitted with supervisor approval. The officer must wear a uniform, maintain physical fitness and firearm proficiency, and complete required law enforcement training.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must currently possess or have held within the past three years a valid U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commission, Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent by November 12, 2026; the commission must be FLETC-issued Land Management Police Training, full Type I Law Enforcement Commission or equivalent, or the applicant must be qualified to receive a commission upon appointment.
• Must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes conducting investigations, apprehending or detaining people suspected or convicted of U.S. criminal law violations; representing a refuge law enforcement program on interagency task forces or working groups; drafting law enforcement briefing papers; developing or implementing policy for a law enforcement program; or analyzing program cost-effectiveness and recommending efficiency improvements.
• Must meet applicable federal time-in-grade requirements.
• Must have a current, valid state driver’s license by November 12, 2026, and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must have substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent for special retirement coverage eligibility.
• Must successfully complete Land Management Police Training (LMPT) at FLETC, Federal Wildlife Officer Basic Training (FWOBT), and Refuge Law Enforcement Field Training and Evaluation Program (FWS-FTEP).
• Must complete 40 hours of additional law enforcement training annually.
• Must maintain a delegation of law enforcement authority and firearm qualification and certification.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing, a background investigation, and favorable adjudication.
• Must undergo a physical examination or complete a statement regarding physical ability, and maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment.
• Must be free of domestic violence convictions.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and satisfy Selective Service registration requirements if applicable.
• Must complete E-Verify employment verification and participate in Direct Deposit.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Must complete required training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority, and submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must provide hours worked per week in the resume; current federal employees may need to submit a non-award SF-50 to validate work schedule and qualifying experience.
• Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor and technical expert on the refuge law enforcement program and related issues for Headquarters Law Enforcement management.
• Serve as a senior liaison between Headquarters management and the Office of Law Enforcement, other land-management bureaus and agencies, and other law enforcement entities.
• Review, edit, and assist in developing national refuge law enforcement operational plans and implementation strategies.
• Ensure operational programs comply with applicable policies, regulations, and legal guidelines.
• Develop working relationships, exchange information, and coordinate law enforcement activities with Service law enforcement staff and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Coordinate policy implementation with National Wildlife Refuge System law enforcement staff.
• Promote national program consistency and advance the Service’s mission.
• Complete required law enforcement training and maintain firearm qualification, physical fitness, and law enforcement authority.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance is provided.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of federal employee benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed