Security ClearanceOther
Duties
As a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Support the Region's administration and management of Refuge law enforcement activities. Provides advisory and technical expertise to FWOs and Project Leaders/Refuge Managers on Regional law enforcement issues. Implements plans, policies, standards, and procedures, and assists in the management of the Regional NWRS law enforcement budget. Supports the RLEC for all criminal and civil investigations. Key Regional level position that supports multiple states, different jurisdictions, and mission essential program areas.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 05/20/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-12] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience may include: 1) work performed investigating violations of laws and regulations on a wildlife refuge, including laws pertaining to poaching, illegal hunting, or similar wildlife-related activities; 2) preparing investigative case files according to standard operating procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements; 3) reviewing law enforcement regulations, policies or procedures to recommend improvements or clarifications; 4) delivering presentations or informal talks to the public about the laws, regulations and policies of a wildlife refuge; 5) administering the training and budgetary program. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to at least grade GS/GL-9 in the Federal service. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience may include: 1) work performed in law enforcement investigating violations of laws and regulations which may include laws pertaining to poaching, illegal hunting, or similar wildlife-related activities; 2) preparing investigative case files according to standard operating procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements; 3) reviewing law enforcement regulations, policies or procedures to recommend improvements or clarifications; 4) deliver presentations or informal talks to the public about the laws, regulations, and policies. OR Three full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or a LL.M., in a directly related field of study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. 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 Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/" Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: : If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire Probation/Trial Period Con't: The probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. PCS Information: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. Discretionary entitlements are not authorized for this position.
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).
Other Information
Duty Station: This position is location negotiable, and the selected applicant will be expected to report to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office within Region 8 (California/Nevada). This position requires on-site presence and the specific workstation will to be determined by the Agency upon selection. A list of all available locations can be found at: Locations | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found at: Special Rates - OPM.gov. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process. Conditions of Employment: Testing Designated Position: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to undergo urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Medical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment medical examination. May be subject to post-employment medical examinations and psychological screening to ensure continued compliance with fitness standards for this position. Must submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if one is not already on file. Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate motor vehicles, or special-purpose law enforcement vehicles, including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft. Uniform: Required to obtain and wear an official USFWS uniform. Law Enforcement Authority: Must accept, maintain, and exercise law enforcement authority. Certifications: Must be certified in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid or emergency medical services (EMS). Position Sensitivity: This position is designated as non-critical sensitive. The selectee must maintain a favorable background investigation. Firearms and Defensive Tactics: Must qualify and maintain annual/semiannual firearms certification and safely utilize firearms, nonlethal weapons, and defensive tactics in daily activities. Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Under Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9), individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify they have ever been convicted of such an offense. Age Requirement: The maximum entry-age for this position is 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or are a preference-eligible veteran. Special Retirement Coverage - Secondary LE Position: This is a SECONDARY/Administrative LE position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). Secondary positions are not subject to the Maximum Entry Age (MEA); however, selectees must have prior service in a primary position and meet transfer requirements to maintain special retirement coverage. To qualify for secondary coverage under CSRS or FERS, you must: (1)Transfer directly from a primary position without a break in service exceeding 3 days; (2) Have completed at least 3 years in a primary position (including service without FERS deductions); and (3) Remain continuously employed in a secondary position after moving from a rigorous position, except for breaks due to involuntary separation not for cause. Applicants must provide documentation (e.g., SF-50) to confirm retirement status and avoid loss of benefits.