U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Logo
Position Title
Land Management Law Enforcement Officer
Agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Announcement Number
R1-25-1282695-SW-MP Opens in new window
Open Period
Monday, March 10, 2025 to Friday, March 21, 2025
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. 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans: 

To claim eligibility as a 30% or more disabled veteran, please confirm that you are a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and:
  • You have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR
  • You are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation with your application to include: 
  • A copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service; AND
  • A copy of your disability letter which includes the combined service connected disability percentage rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service; AND
  • The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, SF-15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources

Are you a Veteran eligible to apply under the 30% disabled veterans hiring authority?

 
(limit characters)
3. Appointment of Certain Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612): 

To claim Military Spouse eligibility under 5 CFR 315.612, please confirm you wish to be considered under this authority and you are one of the following: 

(1)  The spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for more than 180 days other than for training
-OR-
(2) The spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty
-OR-
(3) The un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty

Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your eligibility for E.O. 13473 which includes:

All military spouses must submit documentation verifying marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage)
AND
If you are married to an active-duty service member, documentation verifying active-duty status
OR
If you are a spouse of a 100% disabled service member, documentation showing the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent.
OR

If you are an un-remarried widow or widower of a service member killed while on active duty, documentation showing the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; documentation verifying the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; documentation verifying the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.

For more information please see OPM's Questions and Answers for Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses

Do you wish to be considered for appointment as a Military Spouse?
 
(limit characters)
4. Career Transition Assistance Plan: 

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.


Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in the agency posting this job announcement with CTAP eligibility?
(limit characters)
5. Competitive Promotion/Reassignment/Transfer/Reinstatement

Please select YES to this eligibility if you are ANY of the options below:

Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee with a career or career-conditional appointment (Tenure 1 or 2 in block 24 of the SF-50) in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1 in block 34 of the SF-50) who has never held the full performance level of the position being announced on a permanent basis. OR

Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment, or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) AND you never held the full performance level of the position being announced on a permanent basis.  

If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2 in block 24) AND status in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1 in block 34).

Do you wish to be considered for appointment as a Competitive Reinstatement/Reassignment/Transfer/Promotion?
(limit characters)
6. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)

Are you a current or former federal employee considered displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than 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 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.

Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency posting this job announcement?
(limit characters)
7. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)

Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency (U.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) and are serving or served under a time-limited competitive service appointment (Term, Temporary)?  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 which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations or references from supervisors (if employed for periods of time too short to require an appraisal) for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.

For more information about Land Management Workforce Eligibility:  USAJOBS Help Center - Land management

Are you a current or former employee of a Land Management Agency with LMWFA eligibility?
(limit characters)
8. Non-Competitive Reassignment/Transfer/Re-Promotion/Reinstatement

Are you a Current Federal employee serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service who currently holds or has held, on a permanent basis, a position at the same or higher full performance level (FPL) than the FPL of this position?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 must reflect:
  • career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
  • your status is in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1). 
-OR-

Are you a Former Federal employee who served on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and held, on a permanent basis, a position at the same or higher full performance level (FPL) than the FPL of this position?  NOTE:  Former employees who obtained career tenure are reinstatement eligible indefinitely; former employees who did not obtain career tenure are reinstatement eligible for 3 years from the date of separation; and former employees with veterans' preference who served on a career or career-conditional appointment are reinstatement eligible indefinitely regardless of career tenure. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 must reflect:
  • career status (Tenure 1) or career-conditional status (Tenure 2 - if you have career-conditional status you must have separated within the last three years OR have veteran's preference).
  • your status is in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1). 

Do you wish to be considered for appointment as a Non-competitive Reinstatement/Reassignment/Transfer/Re-Promotion?
 
(limit characters)
9. OPM Interchange Agreement and Special Hiring Authorities Do you meet any of the non-competitive eligibilities listed below?
  1. Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management? 
  2. Are you an Employee under Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. Office of Personnel Management; or another authority which grants non-competitive eligibility (Postal Career Service Employee; Postal Rate Commission Employee; Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee)?
  3. Certain Overseas Family Members (A family member of a federal employee, or uniformed service member, who has completed 52 weeks of service in a federal position overseas.)
  4. Peace Corps/VISTA Eligible 
  5. Foreign Service Employee 
  6. DOI or FWS Authorities not regulated by OPM (e.g. Directorate Fellowship Program, Resource Assistants)
Do you wish to be considered under the OPM Interchange Agreement OR one of the identified special hiring authorities?
 
(limit characters)
10. Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A)

To claim eligibility under the Schedule A hiring authority for Individuals with Disabilities, please confirm you have a qualifying severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit appropriate medical documentation (such as a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist) specifying that you are eligible to apply using the Schedule A hiring authority.  

For more information on hiring Individuals with Disabilities, review the resources in the USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.

Are you eligible under the Schedule A, Individuals with Disabilities hiring authority?
(limit characters)
11. Please select YES to this eligibility if you are a Public Land Corps (PLC) certificate holder who meets all the requirements below for non-competitive eligibility:
  • Served as a qualified youth, ages 16 to 30 years inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger, on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours on a PLC project as defined in 16 USC 1723(d); and 
  • Completed the PLC service within the last two (2) years, and 
  • Possess a copy of the "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Competitive Hiring Status (PLC)" signed by a bureau PLC Coordinator. 
To verify your eligibility, you must provide:  a copy of your "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Competitive Hiring Status (PLC)".  
Appointment under this hiring authority must be effective PRIOR to the 2-year eligibility expiration date.
 
(limit characters)
12. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)

Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
• are entitled to veterans' preference?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service, and/or other documentation which shows you are entitled to veterans' preference.

Are you a Veteran eligible to apply under the VEOA?
(limit characters)
13. Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA)

Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
• recently separated (within the past 3 years); OR
• are a disabled veteran; OR
• served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition; OR,
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal?

NOTE:  Eligible veterans may be appointed without competition to positions at any grade level through General Schedule (GS) 11 or equivalent. (The promotion potential of the position is not a factor.) 

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

Are you a Veteran eligible to apply under the Veterans Recruitment Authority? 

 
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Minimum Qualifications (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
1. Minimum Qualifications GS-11 (limit characters)
Ability to detect, prevent, or curtail illegal and prohibited activities of a potentially destructive nature to lands and their resources. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Address permitting issues, which include issuance of electronic permits.
(limit characters)
3. Analyze and interpret proposed changes in pertinent regulations and policy manuals by providing comments and suggestions.
(limit characters)
4. Coordinate joint law enforcement activities with federal, local, tribal, and/or other investigators.
(limit characters)
5. Conduct and coordinate enforcement patrols and investigations with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement entities.
(limit characters)
Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, regulations, relevant court decisions that relate to the management of public lands; the protection of wildlife and their habitats; and protection of the users of lands and associated areas sufficient to plan and implement law enforcement programs. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
6. Conduct investigations of applicable federal or state natural resource laws including poaching, illegal hunting of waterfowl, illegal use of aircraft for hunting, illegal collecting of reptiles or other illegal natural resource activities.
(limit characters)
7. Gather information, establish information contacts, or demonstrate an awareness of the field they are conducting work and exercise sound judgement in addressing complicated law enforcement issues.
(limit characters)
8. Issue verbal warnings, issue violation notices, make arrests, or file criminal complaints concerning a wide spectrum of enforcement issues.
(limit characters)
9. Apply appropriate laws and regulations such as the Code of Federal Regulations part 50, the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, Bald Eagle Protection Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act, Antiquities Act and/or Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
(limit characters)
10. Develop, coordinate, or direct all aspects related to visitor or resource protection including preventative law enforcement, traffic control, crowd control, emergency medical services, or search and rescue on the lands and waters of the assigned area.
(limit characters)
Knowledge of methods of investigation, obtaining and maintaining a chain of custody, interviewing and interrogation techniques and methods, and patterns of criminal operations. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
11. Act as an agency representative and testify in criminal legal proceedings involving natural resource violations.
(limit characters)
12. Collect, store, preserve, and dispose of evidence in accordance with law enforcement policies and chain of custody procedures while serving as the evidence custodian.
(limit characters)
13. Complete investigation reports by compiling information from numerous sources such as informants, citizens, and government officials.
(limit characters)
14. Investigate occurrences of criminal activity, arson, theft, breaking and entering, vandalism, air and water pollution, illegal drug operations or property destruction, against natural or cultural resources.
(limit characters)
15. Operate computer systems and software to prepare reports, enter and retrieve data from law enforcement databases, and research items on the internet.
(limit characters)
Ability to administratively manage the law enforcement program for the assigned areas(s) while incorporating resource management objectives and concerns. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
16. Devise solutions to problems that interrelate with visitor use and safety and work as a team with other complex programs to implement these solutions.
(limit characters)
17. Maintain inventory of all real and personal property.
(limit characters)
18. Develop, coordinate and present training related to natural resources, law enforcement skills, techniques, or practice for both internal and external personnel.
(limit characters)
19. Provide advice, assessment, and guidance to management and other personnel on the potential impact of proposed activities for law enforcement/protection issues.
(limit characters)
Skill in communicating orally to provide training and guidance. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
20. Serve as an agency representative and maintain a liaison between federal, state and local partners and special interest groups, such as with the U.S. Attorney's Office, law enforcement agencies and natural resource organizations.
(limit characters)
21. Coordinate law enforcement activities in cooperation with Senior law enforcement officer or other law enforcement agencies, such as federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officials.
(limit characters)
22. Lead educational, outreach or specialized programs on assigned area and surrounding community.
(limit characters)
23. Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the organization and other federal, state, local, tribal, and/or special interest agencies.
(limit characters)
This position is a primary covered 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) position and is subject to maximum entry age restrictions. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
24. This position is a primary covered 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) position and is subject to maximum entry age restrictions. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
Incumbent must maintain a favorable background investigation. This position has been identified as Non-Critical Sensitive. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
25. Incumbent must maintain a favorable background investigation. This position has been identified as Non-Critical Sensitive. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
The incumbent(s) must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal Land Management Law Enforcement Commission. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
26. The incumbent(s) must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal Land Management Law Enforcement Commission. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
Prior law enforcement experience carrying out duties involving investigation, apprehension, and/or detention of persons suspected of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States is a basic qualification for this position. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
27. Prior law enforcement experience carrying out duties involving investigation, apprehension, and/or detention of persons suspected of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States is a basic qualification for this position. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
Incumbent must wear the FWS uniform according to policy. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
28. Incumbent must wear the FWS uniform according to policy. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
The incumbent must possess a valid state-issued motor vehicle operator's license and appropriate special purpose endorsements (as required by the specific position) for additional vehicle types including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft and/or watercraft (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
29. The incumbent must possess a valid state-issued motor vehicle operator's license and appropriate special purpose endorsements (as required by the specific position) for additional vehicle types including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft and/or watercraft. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
The incumbent must be certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
30. The incumbent must be certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
The incumbent must undergo the following screening and testing measures: Pre-Placement Medical Clearance (242 FW 4); Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB); Lautenberg Certification (18 U.S.C. 922(g) (9)); Drug testing; Psychological Screening; and Medical Exams (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
31. The incumbent must undergo the following screening and testing measures: Pre-Placement Medical Clearance (242 FW 4); Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB); Lautenberg Certification (18 U.S.C. 922(g) (9)); Drug testing; Psychological Screening; and Medical Exams. Please respond Yes or No that you understand and are able to follow this requirement.
(limit characters)
Certification Statement (limit characters)
32. 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. (limit characters)