Tribal Relations Specialists will work with a fundamental team to increase the USDA Forest Service's ability to foster stronger relationships and trust building with Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, tribal organizations, and tribal citizens. Final determination of duty station will be made by the selecting official at the time of the job offer. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Jennifer Hanlon at [email protected].

Duties

Duties described are at the full performance level, GS-09. Advises the Forest Leadership Team in the coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Forest’s tribal relationships and consultations. Facilitates and advises on tribal consultation and coordination for complex projects, land actions, and plans involving related laws. Prepares briefing documents, summaries of tribal relations and consultation activities, and summaries of specific tribal concerns. Develops relationships with tribes to facilitate the consultation process, broader information sharing, and to further potential partnerships with tribes. Responsible for developing and maintaining contacts within interested tribes that facilitate government-to-government relations between Agency decision-makers and members of tribal government. Assists with the development and implementation of partnership opportunities, outreach and educational programs, Cooperative Agreements, and Memorandums of Understanding with tribes and provides guidance on protocol. Assists with developing and organizing cultural awareness workshops, education materials, and training.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Selective Placement Factor: Experience working with or for federally recognized tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, Alaska Native organizations, and/or intertribal organizations. In addition to meeting the selective placement factor, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement: GS-07: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as one or more of the following: assisting with preparing briefings of tribal relations or consultation activities and summaries of specific tribal concerns; assisting with documentation and coordination of tribal engagement initiatives, assisting with the development and implementation of partnership opportunities, and outreach and education programs with tribes; OR assisting with public meetings, workshops, field trips or other forums designed to foster communication and cooperation with tribal governments or other tribal organizations or agencies. OR Have successfully completed 1 year of graduate education leading to a master's degree or have received a master's or equivalent graduate degree in in directly related field of study, such as Alaska Native Studies, Anthropology, Tribal Administration, etc.The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR Have a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience that is directly related to this position that together meets the qualification requirements for this position. OR Have Superior Academic Achievement (go to this site to determine if you are eligible: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and, which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. GS-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as one or more of the following: providing advice, counsel and technical assistance to staff about tribal relations; coordinating efforts to communicate information about tribal programs; OR organizing and conducting public meetings, workshops, field trips or other forums designed to foster communication and cooperation with tribal governments or other tribal organizations or agencies. OR Have a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., in a directly related field of study, such as Alaska Native Studies, Anthropology, Tribal Administration, etc.The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR Have a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience that is directly related to this position that together meets the qualification requirements for this position (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). 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.

Education

See above.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT. Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]