Cibola, AZ

Position Title: Wildlife Refuge Specialist

Organization: U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Location: Cibola, AZ

Duties:

• Responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of coordinating, planning, and carrying out various duties involved with the effective and efficient running of Refuge biological programs and services. Oversees and reviews land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat development, clean-up, contaminant and restoration projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management. Ensures all projects comply with national, regional, and Refuge policies, regulations and mandates.
• Provides the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management input for, and assists in, the preparation of interagency cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and subsequent modifications, and assists in the administration of these agreements. Develops and carries out active stewardship of natural resources beyond Refuge boundaries to improve or safeguard the Refuge, and to enhance or protect trust resources over large geographic areas.
• 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.
• Assists with the planning and directing of the Refuge’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.
• Assists Wildlife Refuge Manager and other 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 Refuges within the Refuge Complex.

Qualifications:

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

Basic Requirement:
1. I have completed 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. I have completed 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 3 semester hours in conservation biology PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study.
OR
3. I have previously occupied 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 Qualifications GS-11
A. Possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 in the Federal service that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes: planning, coordinating and initiating wildlife habitat management programs; resolving complex issues and problems related to the day-to-day operations of a wildlife refuge; negotiating complex issues with other agencies and organizations; and developing and presenting written and oral reports.
OR
B. I possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology. Note: If you select this response, please provide transcripts to show how you meet this requirement.
OR
C. I possess a combination of graduate level education as described in A above, that is beyond the first 2 years of progressive graduate study, AND appropriate professional experience as described in B above that together meet the qualification requirements for this position. Note: If you select this response, please provide transcripts to show how you meet this requirement.

Minimum Qualifications GS-12
I possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 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. 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.

Salary/Pay: $72,553 – $113,047 per year

Application Deadline: 06/21/2024

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.