- Position Title
- Wildlife Refuge Manager
- Agency
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Announcement Number
- R8-24-12186339-SG-MP Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Friday, November 24, 2023 to Friday, December 15, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?
If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of 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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
3.
Please select YES to this eligibility if you meet the criteria below:
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service and has never held the full performance level of the position being announced.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service and has never held the full performance level of the position being announced.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
4.
Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency and are serving or served under a time-limited competitive service appointment? You may be eligible to compete under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, P.L. 114-47.
Current land management agency appointees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; must have been separated (with respect to their most recent separation) for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and must apply for a position covered by these provisions within two years of their most recent date of separation.
You must provide documentation showing all required periods of service (All SF-50s) and acceptable performance (performance appraisal ratings or references from supervisors if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal.)
Current land management agency appointees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees must have initially been hired under competitive procedures for a time-limited appointment; must have served under one or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; must have been separated (with respect to their most recent separation) for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and must apply for a position covered by these provisions within two years of their most recent date of separation.
You must provide documentation showing all required periods of service (All SF-50s) and acceptable performance (performance appraisal ratings or references from supervisors if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal.)
5.
Please select YES to this Eligibility if you meet the criteria below:
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service and has held a permanent (non-temporary) position at the same or higher full performance level as the position being announced?
To verify your eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1)
Are you a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee who currently holds a career or career conditional appointment in the competitive service and has held a permanent (non-temporary) position at the same or higher full performance level as the position being announced?
To verify your eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Your latest SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
• Career or Career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1)
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
Basic Education
For each question, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provided in your resume or application and information provided by your references.
1.
Please select the response below that indicates how you meet the basic education requirement for this position.
Minimum Qualification GS 12
2.
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above, in order to qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level you must also meet the following minimum qualification requirement. Please select the response below that indicates how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position at the GS-12 grade level.
Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP)
3.
Do you have a current rating of record dated within the past 18 months, at the fully successfully level or higher?
4.
If you answered "No" to question #3, please provide an explanation.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
5.
If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must certify that your performance is acceptable, and you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level. "I certify that my performance is acceptable, and I
have not been advised that my performance is currently unacceptable."
have not been advised that my performance is currently unacceptable."
Knowledge of natural resource laws, regulations, and polices such as the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act (NWRIA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
6.
Draft and prepare natural resource management plan(s), endangered species recovery plan(s), environmental impact statement(s), environmental assessment(s), grant proposal(s), management plan(s), research proposal(s), or public use plan(s).
7.
Ensure land conservation actions comply with the Endangered Species Act, NEPA, and other natural resource policies and guidelines for management of threatened or endangered species and natural resources.
8.
Prepare administrative reports and review and edit technical reports and/or other documents associated with wildlife management and administrative programs.
9.
Provide complete compatibility determinations for permitted activities on public lands, as well as categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.
10.
Deliver presentations on controversial natural resource issues to individuals that have varying levels of knowledge about the subject area.
Knowledge of public lands planning and budgeting processes to participate in the development of long-range plans, annual work plans, and associated budgeting.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
11.
Administer an annual budget to accomplish work goals consistent with established policies and guidelines associated with public lands or land conservation.
12.
Develop long-range plans and strategies for the management of natural resource activities on public lands.
13.
Determine budget needs and prepare budget requests, estimates, and justifications for funding.
14.
Assist in managing a budget with multiple funding accounts, including budget development, tracking, and reporting.
15.
Complete data calls and administrative reports for documenting yearly accomplishments or budget justifications.
Knowledge in applying a wide range of theories, principles and concepts of population and wildlife and aquatic biology, wildlife management, species lifecycle requirements/management, and conservation biology sufficient to effectively plan, coordinate, and resolve a variety of complex natural resource programs, issues and problems related to the management of public lands.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
16.
Plan and implement habitat and wildlife management, wetland restoration, riparian restoration and invasive control projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife.
17.
Apply the principles and theories of wildlife management, botany, zoology and other biological sciences to address important natural resource issues.
18.
Plan, coordinate, and administer land conservation activities such as hunting, invasive weed management and control, desert, wetland and riparian restoration and revegetation.
19.
Improve management efforts for waterfowl, migratory birds, and wetland habitats in accordance with research principles, techniques, and biology.
20.
Direct or supervise planning and management of wildlife programs and operations (e.g., prescribed burning, water control activities, biological research, wildlife management and census, habitat monitoring, and public recreational use).
Ability to communicate and work closely with other federal, state, tribal, and local government officials as well as interest groups in areas of resource use conflict and allocation, and where cross-cultural understanding and appreciation is crucial.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
21.
Coordinate management programs with federal, state, tribal, local governments and NGOs.
22.
Develop necessary cooperative relationships, memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or cooperative agreements with other agencies and NGOs which assist in accomplishing program goals.
23.
Organize and lead meetings where important and controversial issues are discussed among diverse interested parties.
24.
Prepare a variety of written documents including official correspondence, briefing statements for supervisors, project reports and articles for use in public outreach.
25.
Write correspondence, briefing documents, and narrative reports to higher management, elected officials, nongovernmental organizations, private landowners, and the public explaining, defending, or resolving controversial or sensitive issues.
Ability to direct daily operations of staff, plan and prioritize projects and work assignments, coordinate with staff including biological and maintenance, train staff and volunteers and ensure operations are occurring in a safe manner.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
26.
Maintain relationships with agency staff, other agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
27.
Identify issues, problems, and objectives for the refuge and determine approaches with which to deal with them.
28.
Provide leadership in the management of units of the national wildlife refuge system including population and habitat management, planning, law enforcement, fire management, asset management and visitor services.
29.
Directly supervise wage grade staff, YCC, seasonals and volunteers responsible for the construction, maintenance and upkeep of buildings, grounds, fences, dikes, roads, signs, and equipment.
30.
Develop annual work plans through strategic planning to meet goals and objectives with effective management of available funds, ensuring completion of operations, construction, and maintenance projects.
31.
Plan and schedule operations and maintenance projects such as heavy equipment repairs, fencing, boundary marking, grading, mowing and disking, water conveyance infrastructure, and HVAC system maintenance.
32.
Ensure equipment, facilities, and operations comply with safety regulations, policies, and requirements.
Certification Statement
33.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in me not being considered for this position.
Basic Education
For each question, choose the response that best describes your experience and training. Mark only one response for each question. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provided in your resume or application and information provided by your references.
34.
Please select the response below that indicates how you meet the basic education requirement for this position.
Minimum Qualification GS 11
35.
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above, to qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level you must also meet the following minimum qualification requirement. Please select the response below that indicates how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position at the GS-11 grade level.
Employee Performance Appraisal Plan (EPAP)
36.
Do you have a current rating of record dated within the past 18 months, at the fully successfully level or higher?
37.
If you answered "No" to question #36, please provide an explanation.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
38.
If you do not have a current rating of record available, you must certify that your performance is acceptable, and you have not been advised that your performance is currently at an unacceptable level. "I certify that my performance is acceptable, and I
have not been advised that my performance is currently unacceptable."
have not been advised that my performance is currently unacceptable."
Knowledge of a wide range of theories, principles and concepts of population and wildlife and aquatic biology, wildlife management, species lifecycle requirements/management, and conservation biology.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
39.
Implement habitat and wildlife management, wetland restoration, riparian restoration and invasive control projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife.
40.
Apply the principles and theories of wildlife management, botany, zoology and other biological sciences to address important natural resource issues.
41.
Continue management efforts for waterfowl, migratory birds, and wetland habitats in accordance with research principles, techniques, and biology.
Knowledge of natural resource laws, regulations, and polices, such as the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act (NWRIA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
42.
Draft and prepare natural resource management plan(s), endangered species recovery plan(s), environmental impact statement(s), environmental assessment(s), grant proposal(s), management plan(s), research proposal(s), or public use plan(s) for public lands.
43.
Ensure land conservation actions comply with the Endangered Species Act, NEPA, and other natural resource policies and guidelines for management of threatened or endangered species and natural resources.
44.
Prepare administrative reports and review and edit technical reports and/or other documents associated with wildlife management and administrative programs.
Skill in using a variety of IT applications/databases (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google, ArcGIS, and budget tracking and/or procurement systems) sufficient to enter/extract and manipulate collected data, predict future outcomes, and compile into various formats (graphs, pie charts) for inclusion in reports, presentations, and visitor services brochures and flyers
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
45.
Use a wide variety of statistical and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Global Position System (GPS) computer software (e.g., excel, access, arc info, ArcGIS) to develop and maintain biological databases and analyze biological data.
46.
Update and maintain reporting system databases relative to the FWS content management system for Refuge website design, apps for GIS data collection/management, Real Property Inventories, Personal Property Inventories, Refuge Annual Performance Planning, Environmental Conservation Online System, Pesticide Use Proposal System, and other reporting system databases.
47.
Collect, assemble and enter budget estimates, purchasing, services, personnel requirements, and equipment information into databases to meet station needs.
Ability to communicate in writing sufficient to prepare correspondence, scientific and administrative reports, management plans, and a variety of information and educational materials, including brochures and displays.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
48.
Complete data calls and administrative reports for documenting yearly accomplishments or budget justifications.
49.
Develop necessary cooperative relationships, memoranda of understanding (MOUs) or cooperative agreements with other agencies and NGOs which assist in accomplishing program goals.
50.
Prepare a variety of written documents including official correspondence, briefing statements for supervisors, project reports and articles for use in public outreach.
Certification Statement
51.
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in me not being considered for this position.