Wildlife Refuge Manager

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Soldotna, AK

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Refuge Manager serves with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, Region 7, at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The role guides conservation and management of diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources while overseeing refuge operations, leading staff, and collaborating with partners across large landscapes to support habitat protection, public use, and long-term stewardship.

The manager oversees wildlife biology, ecology, habitat management, land and aquatic conservation, habitat restoration, research, and monitoring. The position also leads natural resources planning and management, visitor services and public outreach, and refuge business operations, including budgeting, facilities, and administrative reporting.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must have a valid driver's license by entry on duty and maintain it throughout employment.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Must submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
• Must complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Must be at least 18 years old to operate government vehicles.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period; continued employment requires written agency certification.
• Must meet the basic education requirement through a qualifying degree or a combination of coursework and appropriate experience. Coursework must include at least 9 semester hours in zoology, 6 semester hours in wildlife courses, 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, including experience leading or coordinating natural resource management or conservation work; resolving complex natural-resource, visitor-services, outreach, or program issues; representing a federal entity in negotiations with diverse groups; developing or implementing fish or wildlife management policies, plans, standards, or procedures; and managing teams responsible for short- and long-term fish or wildlife management activities affecting diverse stakeholders or partners.
• Resume must specify full-time or part-time work and hours worked per week for experience to receive credit.
• Must submit transcripts supporting claimed education when education is used to qualify.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee wildlife biology, ecology, and habitat management programs, including land and aquatic conservation, habitat restoration, research, and monitoring.
• Manage and supervise a diverse team, set work priorities, provide guidance, and ensure compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity and safety standards.
• Develop and implement natural resources program management, including environmental assessments, conservation plans, and partnerships with agencies and stakeholders.
• Direct and administer visitor services, public outreach, and education programs, ensuring quality recreational opportunities and effective communication with the public.
• Plan and manage business operations, including budgeting, funding proposals, facility maintenance, and administrative reporting to support refuge goals and resource management.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance.
• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees.
• Payment of basic moving expenses may be authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station, subject to Federal Travel Regulation requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior