Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger).

This position is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and requires a commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, upholding the rule of law, and the United States Constitution.

About the role

As a Natural Resources Specialist (Park Ranger), you will enforce Title 36 CFR and manage natural and recreational resources on project lands and waters.

Responsibilities

• Educate the visiting public on project purposes, conditions, policies, and regulations.
• Patrol project lands and waters to prevent unauthorized use, trespass, destruction of resources, and environmental harm.
• Investigate and report violations of regulations.
• Conduct public relations services for the general public and special groups.
• Provide project information to local, state, and federal agencies and the public through brochures, bulletin boards, news releases, telephone calls, and other communications.
• Enforce park rules and regulations, assist visitors, and coordinate recreational services with community organizations.
• Perform recreation management, natural resource management, visitor assistance, and interpretation services.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 44 lbs. regularly.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
• Must obtain a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate and Responding to Emergencies (or equivalent) certificate within six months.
• Must work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must obtain a boating license within six months.
• Must wear a uniform and appropriate safety gear/protective clothing while on duty.
• Must meet Park Ranger training requirements as identified in the Career Development Guide for Civil Works Natural Resources Management Team Members.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements below. Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, transcripts will be required.

Basic Requirement

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) 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 in the above fields, plus appropriate experience or additional education. This qualifies for placement at the entry level (GS-05).

GS-07 Qualifications

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level, including providing orientations for project programs, monitoring visitor activity, coordinating recreational services, and enforcing park rules and regulations.
• OR Education: One full year of graduate-level education in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or related fields.
• OR Superior Academic Achievement: Upper-third class standing, a GPA of 3.0 or higher (3.5 in major field), or membership in an approved national scholastic honor society.
• OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education and experience may be used to qualify if the total equals 100% of the requirements.

GS-09 Qualifications

• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level, including recreation management, natural resource management, visitor assistance, enforcing park rules and regulations, and providing interpretation services.
• OR Education: Master’s degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in fields related to the position.
• OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education and experience may be used to qualify if the total equals 100% of the requirements.

Foreign Education: If using education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must show that the education has been evaluated by a private organization and deemed equivalent to a U.S. education program. For more information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.

Additional incentives may include:

• Relocation incentive.
• Recruitment incentive.
• Enhanced leave accrual.
• Advanced rate of pay.

Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations. Note that the IRS considers most PCS entitlements taxable.