Forest Service Logo
Position Title
Tribal Relations Specialist
Agency
Forest Service
Announcement Number
22-R5-GVA-11598472-DP-MB Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, August 12, 2022 to Thursday, September 8, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2.
Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy;  AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
 
 
(limit characters)
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy;  AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

 For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
 
 
(limit characters)
4. Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below: 

• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating? 
OR 
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Tribal Relations Specialist, GS-0301-11/12 position with the USDA Forest Service. Your resume and the responses you provide to this assessment questionnaire will be used to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. (limit characters)
Specialized Qualifications (limit characters)
This section will be used to determine if you possess the education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Tribal Relations Specialist, GS-0301-11/12. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provide in your resume or application and information provided by your references. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS. (limit characters)
1. Select the one statement below that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a GS-11 Tribal Relations Specialist.
(limit characters)
2. Select the one statement below that best describes the experience you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a GS-12 Tribal Relations Specialist.
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In addition to the basic qualifications listed above, the following Selective Placement Factor must be met in order to be considered for this position. The intent of the selective placement factor is knowledge, skill or ability, basic to and essential for satisfactory performance of the job. It represents minimum requirements, in addition to or more specific than the qualifications defined in the OPM Qualification Standards. A selective factor and/or multiple selective factors becomes part of the minimum qualification requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet the selective factor(s) are ineligible for further consideration. (limit characters)
3. I have in-depth knowledge and experience working in natural or cultural resources for a Federally recognized tribal government, Native American/Alaska Native tribal or inter-tribal organization, or in a tribal community.
(limit characters)
4. Incumbent must operate a motor vehicle on public highways and private roads. Do you possess or can obtain a valid state driver's license? (Screen out)
(limit characters)
For each of the following tasks, choose the statement from the list below that best describe your experience and/or training. Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and demonstrated capability. Your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification based on the resume and other relevant documents you submit. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Advise on tribal consultation and coordination on complex projects, land actions, and plans involving laws including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), American Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
(limit characters)
6. Coordinate with consultants, staff, and managers to prepare ethnographic studies, trails studies, and associated cultural studies.
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7. Assist with development and implementation of partnership opportunities, outreach and educational programs, Cooperative Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with tribes, providing guidance on protocol.
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8. Advise upper management and relevant staff concerning development and evaluation of Unit's tribal relationships and consultations.
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9. Develop and manage a comprehensive Tribal Relations Program to ensure trust responsibilities are recognized and fulfilled with decisions addressing current and future needs of Indian tribes and tribal members.
(limit characters)
10. Make recommendations for new initiatives and programs to specifically address the trust responsibility and/or governmental rights of tribes.
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11. Provide leadership to ensure the rights of Sovereign Indian Nations are fully respected.
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12. Remain current with progress of projects to be able to keep tribes informed on regulatory compliance issues.
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13. Develop positive relationships with tribes to facilitate the consultation process and further potential partnerships with tribes.
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14. Evaluate sensitive tribal concerns and recommend steps to solve issues within the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) framework.
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15. Attend tribal meetings and events to adapt Unit guidelines and policy to tribal situations.
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16. Facilitate communication between the Unit's upper management, American Indian Tribe(s), and inter-Tribal organizations in matters of natural resource management, program delivery, trust responsibility, employment opportunities, protection of sacred and cultural sites important to American Indians, access to sacred sites, and plant collection issues.
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17. Provide guidance to other staff who deal directly with tribe(s) on appropriate interaction with Tribal Representatives.
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18. Facilitate consultation between tribal government(s) and the Unit(s) in assessing the impact of plans, projects, programs, and activities on tribal trust resources.
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19. Prepare briefing documents, summaries of tribal relations and consultation activities, and summaries of specific tribal concerns.
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20. Develop and provide training about Native American cultures, general structure of tribal governments along with Native American consultation requirements.
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21. Draft guidelines and procedures on partnerships with tribal governments, Native American organizations and individuals.
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22. Provide periodic reports concerning activities and progress in improving Unit and tribal relationships and activities.
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23. Create Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) regarding natural or cultural resources.
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24. Provide support in developing policies, procedures, and directives to strengthen relationships with local tribe(s).
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25. Resolve critical problems which may involve major consequences in terms of social and economic costs.
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26. Use clear judgment to adapt, modify, and extend methods and techniques to fit specific situations.
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27. Assist management to address disputes and sensitive issues with tribes.
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28. Conduct studies to recommend ways to develop meaningful relations with supported tribe(s).
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29. Advise upper management and their staff of procedural impediments that negatively impact the ability of the organization and its employees to work with tribal governments.
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30. Address challenges relating to implementation of Unit programs and services involving tribe(s).
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31. Please select the statement(s) that reflect your educational achievement(s). Transcripts, certificates, or other appropriate documentation must be included with this application to verify GPA, coursework, degree, and/or completion of trade or vocational school program. (limit characters)
32. Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Submitting false information or attempts to falsify information may be grounds for disqualifying you or for terminating you after you have been hired. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.
(limit characters)