Salary: $92,143 to $119,787 per year

Appointment type: Permanent

Work schedule: Full-time

Open & closing dates: 10/01/2021 to 10/12/2021

See full details at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/616150600

Locations

4 vacancies in the following locations:

  • Odessa, MN1 vacancy
  • Windom, MN1 vacancy
  • Lakeview, OR1 vacancy
  • Cheney, WA1 vacancy

Responsibilities

As a Wildlife Refuge Manager your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Participates in the development of required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (or portions thereof) including Environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions. Coordinates with the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the gathering and consolidating of data.
  • Oversees a dynamic Visitor Services program that includes formal and informal programming, signs and publications, community outreach and environmental education. The Visitor Service program strives to reach a wide and diverse audience using traditional and virtual outreach efforts.
  • Assists with the planning and directing of the Refuge/WMD’s comprehensive public relations/public use program – including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational programs, wildlife dependent recreation (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation), and other recreational management activities – to maximize use of the Refuge/WMD.
  • Routinely responds to information requests from individuals, local groups, and organizations.
  • Plans, schedules, attends, and/or conducts a variety of formal and informal meetings (i.e., presenting specific information to targeted audiences on Refuge projects or on the potential impact to the Refuge as a result of commercial activity in surrounding areas, educational presentations, facility tours, open forum meetings to gather public opinion on current and proposed projects/programs) with elected officials (local, county, state legislators, and Congressional staff), individuals at varying levels of government (local, state, and Federal), private landowners, country/state farm bureaus, the media, local and national environmental and/or conservation groups, academia, Tribal representatives, and the general public. Provides information, discusses issues, resolves problems, and receives public interest on the status of existing, developing, or proposed refuges.
  • Works with senior management in the development of long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets and work schedules. Implements short, medium, and long-range operation plans based on existing or approved plans, and coordinates work schedules for equipment and resources with other Refuge/WMDs within the Refuge Complex.
  • Prepares administrative reports, annual narrative reports, and other documents associated with wildlife management and administrative programs. Prepares Refuge accomplishment reports utilizing various IT systems for inclusion in Refuge Complex budget submissions.
  • Administers the facilities and equipment management program. Plans and schedules operations and maintenance projects. Develops various work plans and organizes projects covering the construction, repair and maintenance of equipment, buildings, roads, trails, fences, dikes and other infrastructure.
  • Develops and fosters partnerships with other Federal, state and local agencies, and private organizations to protect lands around the Refuge/WMD.
  • Implements land and wetland use programs or management techniques designed to improve wildlife habitat such as invasive species control, weed control, seeding, haying, and any other practices resulting in increased benefits to migratory birds and other wildlife using the Refuge/WMD.
  • Supervises a team of professional, technical, analytical, administrative support staff, and blue collar workers (permanent and seasonal staff), staff as well may include Contractors, Volunteers, Interns, NGO, Partners, etc. setting a team attitude of adhering to high professional standards and completion of accurate, high quality work. Overall direct supervisory responsibilities include, but are not limited to, planning work to be accomplished by subordinates, setting and adjusting short-term priorities, and preparing schedules for completion of work; assigning work to subordinates; evaluating work performance of subordinates; providing advisory, counsel, or instruction to employees on a variety of matters; interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommend appointment, promotion, or reassignment to such positions; hears and resolves minor complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager; effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other action in more serious cases; identifies developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training; finding ways to improve production or increase the quality of the work directed; and developing performance standards.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
  • Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Driver’s License: Selectees must possess and maintain a valid State driver’s license at all times during their tenure.
  • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
  • Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
  • Firearm: Depending on location, selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 10/12/2021 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement:
1. Completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelors or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology; OR

2. Completion of courses in an accredited college or university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3semester hours in conservation biology PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study; OR

3. Previous occupation of a position in the GS-0485 series prior to December 3, 2010, and meet the basic education requirement of the previous qualification standard. Previous standard: bachelor or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology, that includes 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in wildlife; and 9 semester hours in botany. NOTE: To qualify under this option, you must submit your transcripts and a copy of your SF-50 (Personnel Action), dated prior to Dec 3, 2010, showing that you held a position in the GS-0485 series.

Minimum Qualification [GS-13]

1. Possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position and that is typically in or related to the work of this position to be filled. Specialized experience includes: experience planning and directing a broad variety of management operations in a natural resources setting; planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of a wildlife management program; developing long and short term management plans; leading a staff of professional and nonprofessional personnel.

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 or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method
Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements

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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Required Documents:

Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number. Additional information on what to include can be found here. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.

College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

Additional Documentation if applicable:

SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.

Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility please review the How to Apply for Reinstatement page for all required documents.

If you have any questions regarding which SF-50’s to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.

Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.

Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Veterans’ Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference in addition to the proof required by that form (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

Cover Letter

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.