FUL-Wildlife Refuge Specialist

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/13/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements. To receive credit for experience, 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.

Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet both the Basic Education Requirements AND Minimum Qualifications: Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following: Degree: Zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.

You must submit transcripts. -OR- Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described in A above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

You must submit transcripts. -AND- Minimum Qualifications: To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must meet at least one of the following: Specialized Experience Requirement: you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).

Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: assisting with wildlife or habitat management field activities, such as collecting biological data, monitoring habitat conditions, or contributing to habitat restoration; supporting reviews of resource or land-use proposals by identifying potential impacts and preparing input for senior staff; helping deliver public-facing programs, such as responding to routine inquiries, preparing educational materials, or assisting with tours or outreach events; and performing program or operational support tasks, such as maintaining project records, contributing to work planning, or assisting with facility or equipment upkeep.

You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's (or equivalent graduate degree) in a discipline directly related to the position, such as zoology or wildlife management. You must include transcripts. -OR- Combination of education and experience: You may qualify through a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above.

Only graduate education in excess of the first year is creditable when combining. To combine education and experience, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of completed graduate education beyond the first year by 18 (or 27 for quarter hours). Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts and 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.

The Wildlife Refuge Specialist supports the Refuge Manager in overseeing refuge operations and programs, including wildlife biology, ecology, habitat management, and natural resource conservation. The position also supports visitor services, public outreach and education, volunteer programs, accessibility initiatives, and compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Support planning and implementation of refuge habitat management and restoration actions, invasive species control, wildlife surveys, and biological monitoring. Contribute to planning and delivery of public use and outreach programs, including interpretive and educational activities, hunt and fish programs, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.

Respond to routine public inquiries and help develop informational materials such as brochures and online content. Assist with coordination of facility and infrastructure projects, fleet and heavy equipment needs, and completing required station plans and reporting. Support business operations by helping prepare annual work plans and project schedules, managing agreements or contracts, and maintaining records.

Participate in the preparation of conservation plans and required environmental and regulatory documentation, such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation and Environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions. Coordinate and interact with federal, state, and local agencies, Tribal representatives, private organizations, and other partners to strengthen support for refuge objectives.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.