Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

Requirements Continue: This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

01Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 11/12/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted.

An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Selective Placement Factors: This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element.

If you do not provide evidence that you possess the following selective factor(s), you will be rated not qualified. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. Must currently possess or previously held (within the past three years) a valid U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commission. Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by 11/12/2026. More information can be found in the 'Education' section of this job announcement.

This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). In addition to the qualifying experience and/or education described above, applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent.

Must have a current, valid State Driver's License by 11/12/2026. -AND- Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:. To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: 1) Conducting investigations, apprehending, and/or detaining individuals suspected or convicted of violations of U.S. criminal laws; 2) Representing the refuge law enforcement program on interagency task forces or working groups focused on program planning, operations, or administrative initiatives; 3) Drafting briefing papers on law enforcement issues, critical incidents, operational activities, policy implementation, or data analysis and reporting; 4) Developing or implementing policy related to protection, conservation, and management of a law enforcement program; or 5) Analyzing cost-effectiveness of program approaches and recommending changes to improve efficiency.

You must include hours per week worked. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Serves as the senior advisor and technical expert for Refuge Law Enforcement, providing guidance to Headquarters leadership, coordinating national policy and operational planning, and ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory requirements. Acts as a liaison with the Service's Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) and other federal, state, and local agencies to exchange information and coordinate enforcement activities.

Builds collaborative relationships across law enforcement partners and ensures consistent, Service-wide implementation of Refuge Law Enforcement policies and strategies. At the full-performance level GS-13, the duties include but are not limited to: Serves as a senior advisor and staff technical expert on the refuge law enforcement program and all law enforcement related issues for Headquarters Law Enforcement management.

Serves as a senior level liaison between Headquarters management and other law enforcement entities including OLE, other land management bureaus/agencies. Reviews, edits, and assists in developing refuge law enforcement operational plans and implementation strategies at the national level. Ensures operational program is consistent with and conforms to all applicable policies, regulations, and legal guidelines.

Develops working relationships, exchanges information, and coordinates law enforcement activities with other Service law enforcement staff along with other Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Coordinates the implementation of policy with other National Wildlife Refuge System law enforcement staff. Ensures national program consistency and conformance with all applicable policies, regulations, and legal guidelines to advance and accomplish the Service's primary mission.