NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST (RANGER).

This is a Term Position: the appointment may last up to 13 months and can be extended in one-year increments to a maximum of eight years.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger) for a major water-resource project.
• Provide input on plans to upgrade, maintain, or improve natural-resource programs and projects.
• Assist in preparation of annual Operations and Maintenance budgets for assigned programs.
• Provide natural-resources support for shoreline management, encroachment, recreation, and real-estate programs.
• Observe all safety rules, regulations, and directives applicable to the work assignment.
• Coordinate long- and short-range planning for execution of activities related to natural resources, visitor assistance, and public safety.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) certification for operation of a motorboat, as appropriate.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Citation Authority Certification.
• Required to wear a prescribed uniform while in a duty status.
• Required to work periods of nights, weekends, and Federal holidays.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• One-year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of pay is required.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Basic Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger):

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural-resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
• OR Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized Experience by Grade Level:

• GS-05: Applicants who meet the basic requirement described above are fully qualified for this grade level.
• GS-07: One year of specialized experience performing the following: participating in natural-resources activities, such as fish/wildlife management, forestry/vegetation management, soil/water conservation, or fire protection. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS-05) in the federal service.

  OR

  • Education: One full year of graduate-level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural-resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
  • OR Superior Academic Achievement: Based on class standing (upper third of graduating class), grade-point average (3.0 or higher overall or 3.5 or higher in the major field), or honor society membership (as listed by the Association of College Honor Societies).
  • OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
• GS-09: One year of specialized experience performing the following: implementing natural-resource management actions involving fish/wildlife, forestry/vegetation management, rangeland/soil conservation, water/fire protection, or an agricultural lease program. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level (GS-07) in the federal service.

  OR

  • Education: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a qualifying field.
  • OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

Foreign Education: If using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.