Wildlife Refuge Specialist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Randlett, UT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS-0485-9/11, is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Lower Green River Complex, in Randlett, Utah. At the full performance level (GS-11), the specialist independently plans, coordinates, and carries out biological, habitat restoration, and habitat development projects for the Refuge/WMD. The position also supports planning, compliance, partnerships, public use and outreach, and facilities and equipment management. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level.

The work is performed both in an office and outdoors. It involves field activity on wet, rough, uneven, or marshy surfaces, recurring lifting of items weighing up to 50 pounds, and possible exposure to biting insects and close proximity to large animals. The incumbent may need to carry a firearm for personal protection from wildlife. Frequent travel by surface and air transportation is required for meetings and field work. Work may require evenings, weekends, and holidays. The position is suitable for telework with supervisor approval.

The position requires a qualifying degree or combination of education and experience in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology, as well as qualifications at the GS-09 or GS-11 level. A one-year probationary period may be required. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered if the candidate is eligible; an incentive is not guaranteed.

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 be able to obtain and maintain certification to use four-wheel all-terrain vehicles and/or other light and heavy equipment for official purposes.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a pesticide applicator's license through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
• Must meet the applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Must meet the mandatory basic education requirement: a qualifying degree, or equivalent coursework, in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology, including at least 9 semester hours in zoology, 6 in wildlife courses, 3 in botany, and 3 in conservation biology; the education-and-experience combination option is also described.
• For GS-09 qualification, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 involving wildlife biology, ecology, or natural resource management; review of natural resource activities for legal or policy compliance; and communication of biological or natural resource findings or recommendations; or meet the stated graduate education or education-and-experience combination option.
• For GS-11 qualification, must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 involving independent wildlife or habitat management, conservation, or restoration work; application of natural resource laws and policies; coordination with staff, agencies, partners, or the public; and participation in management plans, work plans, or budgets; or meet the stated doctoral graduate education or education-and-experience combination option.
• Submit transcripts when using education to qualify or substitute for experience; additional resume details and work-hour information are required for the relevant qualification pathways.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Work may require evenings, weekends, and holidays; extensive travel may be required.
• Must safely perform field work involving physical exertion, including walking over uneven or marshy terrain and recurring lifting of items up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and carry out biological, habitat restoration, and habitat development projects for the Refuge/WMD.
• Collect, enter, validate, and analyze project data; support invasive species planning and control; and apply refuge compatibility criteria and established policies to develop recommendations for senior management.
• Review projects proposed by other bureaus, agencies, stakeholders, and partners to identify potential conflicts with Refuge/WMD management objectives and develop comments and recommendations.
• Coordinate with Federal, state, and local agencies, Tribal representatives, private organizations, and other partners to support protection and management of Refuge/WMD lands and surrounding resources.
• Prepare reports on the progress and completion of studies and management projects for the Wildlife Refuge Manager and senior management.
• Research and maintain familiarity with natural resource laws, regulations, and policies affecting the National Wildlife Refuge System, including NEPA, NWRIA, ESA, water rights, rights-of-way, oil and gas, easements, and fee-title lands.
• Participate in preparing environmental and regulatory documentation, including NEPA Environmental Assessments, ESA Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and related actions.
• Coordinate with the Wildlife Refuge Manager and senior management to gather, consolidate, and evaluate supporting information and data.
• Assist in developing and preparing Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Habitat Management Plans, Land Acquisition and Protection Plans, and similar planning documents.
• Participate in developing short- and long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets, project schedules, and timetables.
• Participate in planning and implementing public use, outreach, and education programs, including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational activities, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.
• Respond to routine public information requests and contribute to brochures, interpretive panels and exhibits, websites, and other informational materials.
• Assist with administration of Refuge/WMD facilities and equipment management, including planning and scheduling operations and maintenance projects.
• Travel to meetings and conduct field work; perform duties safely and orderly.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered to eligible candidates on a case-by-case basis; it is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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