NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST (RANGER).

This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) — subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license, a USACE motorboat certification, and a Citation Authority Certification. A prescribed uniform is required while on duty. Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, including a background investigation.

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.
• Support 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 natural-resource activities, visitor assistance, and public safety.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (state driver’s license, USACE motorboat certification, Citation Authority Certification).
• Must wear a prescribed uniform while in a duty status.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, transcripts will be required.

Basic Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural-resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines; or
• Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in the above fields plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Grade-Specific Requirements

GS-05

• Must meet the basic education requirement listed above.

GS-07

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-05, including at least one of the following:
  • Participating in natural-resources activities (e.g., fish/wildlife management, forestry/vegetation management, soil/water conservation, or fire protection);
  • Preparing documents pertaining to leasing and/or managing project lands; or
  • Patrolling lands and waters to prevent trespassing, destruction of property, and ensure compliance with rules/regulations.
• Education: One full year of graduate-level education in a qualifying field; or
• Superior Academic Achievement: Upper-third of graduating class, GPA of 3.0+ (overall or in final 2 years), or membership in an approved national scholastic honor society; or
• Combination: A combination of education and experience totaling 100% of the requirements.

GS-09

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-07, including at least two of the following:
  • Implementing natural-resource management actions (e.g., fish/wildlife, forestry/vegetation, rangeland/soil conservation, water/fire protection, or agricultural lease programs);
  • Developing shoreline or recreation management plans;
  • Patrolling lands and waters to prevent trespassing, destruction of property, and ensure compliance with rules/regulations; or
  • Preparing documents pertaining to leasing and/or managing project lands.
• Education: Master’s degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a qualifying field; or
• Combination: A combination of education and experience totaling 100% of the requirements.

Additional Notes

• Time-in-Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent.
• Foreign Education: If using education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must show credentials evaluated by a private organization specializing in foreign education and deemed equivalent to a U.S. accredited program.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• One-year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans (e.g., Federal Employees Retirement System)
• Paid leave (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Life insurance and long-term care insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Eligibility depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).