This position is a Wildlife Refuge Manager, GS- 0485-11/12 working in Lacombe, LA for the R4-Southeast Louisiana Refuges. This position is also open to the public under announcement R4-23-12107998-MT-DE. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Duties

The major duties listed represent the grade level of GS-12. At lower grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. As a Wildlife Refuge Manager your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Plans, manages, evaluates, and carries out the biological program at assigned Refuge/WMD(s). Incumbent prepares proposals for developmental/improvement projects (to include timeframes and costs) for the assigned Refuge/WMD(s) and submits for review/approval during annual budget cycle. Oversees, reviews and approves land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat creation, restoration, and contaminant projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management at assigned Refuge/WMD(s). Reviews projects proposed by other agencies, stakeholders/partners (i.e., U.S. Forest Service, state fish and wildlife agencies, Tribal representatives), identifying possible conflicts with Refuge/WMD management objectives, and develops recommendations for senior management approval. Develops and maintains partnerships with other Federal, state, and local agencies, private organizations, and special interest groups to protect lands around the Refuge/WMD(s). Plans and manages land use programs using management techniques designed to improve wildlife habitat such as weed control, seeding, haying, and any other conservation practices resulting in increased benefits to migratory birds and other wildlife. Responsible for administrative oversight of the Fire Management Program on the assigned to the Refuge/WMD's in accordance with Service/Department policies. Oversees, administers and/or develops required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation including Environmental Assessments (EAs ), Environmental Impact Statements (EISs ), Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSis), Categorical Exclusions (CEs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological resource clearances, etc. (or major portions thereof). Applies current and changing natural resources laws, rules and regulations that affect the National Wildlife Refuge System (e.g., water rights, rights-of-way, oil and gas, easements, fee title lands, etc.) to ensure that the management of the Refuge/WMD program remains in compliance with all. Plans and administers the Refuge/WMD's public relations/public use program including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational programs, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational management activities. Represents the Service in official contacts with Federal, state and local government officials and employees, the media, local and national level environmental and conservation groups, academia, Tribal representatives, and the general public to provide information, discuss issues, resolve problems, and receive input on the current and proposed changes taking place on the Refuge/WMD. Develops 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/WMDs within the Complex. Develops cost estimates and the work sequence for major and minor rehabilitation projects of Refuge/WMD facilities and lands to prepare funding proposals that support internal and external funding. Implements or oversees funded projects. Updates, prioritizes, manages, and/or utilizes automated systems for budget tracking, procurement, time and attendance, asset inventories/maintenance, etc. (e.g., Refuge Operation Needs (RONS) and Maintenance Management System (MMS)/Service Asset Maintenance Management System (SAMMS) project entries and Refuge Annual Performance Plan (RAPP) submissions). Administers the facilities and equipment management program. Develops various work plans and organizes projects covering the construction, repair and maintenance of equipment, buildings, roads, trails, fences, dikes, and other infrastructure. Applies engineering and construction techniques as to Refuge/WMD infrastructure, training and operation of heavy equipment, reporting requirements (e.g., real property inventories, personal property inventories, SAMMS, annual maintenance, energy reports, etc.), safety rules, and environmental compliance reporting requirements. Supervises a small 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. Responsible for creating an environment that encourages and rewards cooperation, collective problem solving, and participative decision-making.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
• Eligibility and Supporting documents - You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to AND submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section.
• 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 MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
• Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform MAY be 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.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 09/14/2023 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification. Basic Requirement: Degree: 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; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education. OR 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 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-11] Possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 in the Federal service 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 may include 1) planning, administering, evaluating, managing, and/or operating some programs, activities or projects associated with conserving and managing fish and/or wildlife resources; 2) managing fish and/or wildlife resources on public or private lands for the purpose of providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. OR Possess 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study directly related to the position. NOTE: Transcripts are required. OR Possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and qualifying graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only education beyond the second graduate year (36 semesters) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Transcripts required, and your resume must contain sufficient information, e.g., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc., for each period of work for consideration to meet this standard. Minimum Qualification [GS-12] Possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 in the Federal service 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. Examples of specialized experience may include: 1) experience planning and directing a broad variety of management operations in a natural resources setting; 2) planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of a wildlife management program; 3) developing long and short term management plans; 4) leading a staff of professional and nonprofessional personnel. Your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration. 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

Contacts

• Address Division of Human Resources Division of Human Capital Management 1875 Century Blvd Suite 370 Atlanta, GA 30345 US
• Name: Human Resources Staffing Division
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]