Wildlife Refuge Manager

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service•Madison, SD

About The Position

Serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, leading staff and overseeing National Wildlife Refuges, Wetland Management Districts, and Refuge Complexes. Apply expert knowledge to address complex wildlife and land management challenges, advance conservation, protect natural resources, and support the FWS mission. The position helps lead the Eastern South Dakota Wetland Management District Complex and oversees its operations. Responsibilities include managing a network of conservation easements, fee-title waterfowl production areas, and national wildlife refuges across eastern South Dakota; directing biological and habitat management; developing long-range plans; building partnerships; managing budgets, staff, facilities, and equipment; and leading visitor services and a multidisciplinary team. This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period. The work requires some physical exertion, including walking on wet, rough, uneven, or marshy surfaces and recurring lifting of items weighing up to 50 pounds. The position is suitable for telework, which may be allowed with supervisor approval. The selectee must maintain a valid driver's license, wear a uniform, and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance is provided.

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 possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
Must submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period; the position may also require a supervisory probationary period.
Must meet competitive service Time-in-Grade requirements, if applicable.
Must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, including wildlife and habitat management and conservation projects; natural resource planning or compliance; partnership development; and leading teams or projects.
Must meet the mandatory education requirement: a degree in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate biology field with specified coursework, or equivalent coursework combined with appropriate experience or additional education.
Must submit transcripts supporting the claimed education.
Must include hours worked per week on the resume or provide the specified documentation if applicable.
Education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience.
Must be able to perform duties involving walking over wet, rough, uneven, or marshy surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and recurring lifting of moderately heavy items up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage overall refuge operations, set direction for staff, and ensure high-quality, science-based resource management.
Administer a network of conservation easements, fee-title waterfowl production areas, and national wildlife refuges across eastern South Dakota.
Oversee biological and habitat management programs, including conservation projects, restoration efforts, research, and monitoring.
Guide development and implementation of long-range plans, land management strategies, conservation plans, and resource protection initiatives.
Build partnerships with tribes, local communities, agencies, and conservation organizations to advance shared resource goals and address natural resource issues.
Manage budgets, staffing needs, and administrative operations, ensuring effective use of resources and sound business practices.
Oversee facilities and equipment maintenance and guide infrastructure projects supporting refuge operations and public access.
Direct visitor services, including public use activities, education, interpretation, and volunteer engagement.
Supervise and lead a multidisciplinary team, overseeing program performance, budget and resource management, workforce development, and operational excellence.
Carry out wildlife and habitat management activities, implement conservation projects on public lands, and administer conservation easements.
Lead natural resource planning or compliance processes, such as drafting or coordinating conservation plans, habitat plans, or environmental reviews.
Lead teams or projects by setting priorities, coordinating work, or providing guidance to others in support of refuge or land management operations.