This position is a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer, GS-1801-5/7/9/11, working for the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Only experience and education obtained by 05/13/2025 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-11] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS/GL-9 in the Federal service. Experience may include: 1) work performed in law enforcement investigating violations of laws and regulations which may include laws pertaining to poaching, illegal hunting, or similar wildlife-related activities; 2) preparing investigative case files according to standard operating procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements; 3) reviewing law enforcement regulations, policies or procedures to recommend improvements or clarifications; and 4) delivering presentations or informal talks to the public about the laws, regulations and policies. OR Three full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or a LL.M., in a directly related field of study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Minimum Qualification [GL-09] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS/GL-7 in the Federal service. Experience may include: 1) work performed investigating criminal activity; 2) providing resource protection which may include investigating wildland arson, illegal hunting, trapping, plant and wildlife poaching, or illegal sport fishing; 3) securing and protecting crime scenes, seizing evidence, or issuing citations, and 4) testifying or preparing documentation in court proceedings. OR Master's, or equivalent graduate degree or have successfully completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education, or LL.B. or J.D, with major field of study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. Minimum Qualification [GL-07] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS/GL-5 in the Federal service. Experience may include: 1) investigating criminal activity pertaining to violence against a person, theft, destruction of property, or trespassing; 2) preparing investigation case reports and searching records; and 3) issuing warnings or traffic citations. OR Completed one full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. OR Superior Academic Achievement: bachelor's degree with a major field of study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Superior academic achievement is defined as one of the following: 1) rank in the upper 1/3 of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; 2) earned election to a national scholastic honor society; 3) earned a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all completed undergraduate courses; 4) earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all undergraduate classes completed during the final 2 years; 5) earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all completed undergraduate courses in a major field of study; or 6) earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all undergraduate courses in a major field of study completed during the final 2 years. To verify your claim for this provision, please submit a college transcript(s) showing that you maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for all 4 years of undergraduate courses, or, on all undergraduate courses completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum, including all transferred courses. Minimum Qualification [GL-05] Three years of progressively responsible general experience, one of which is equivalent to at least the GS/GL-04 in the Federal Service. Experience may include: 1) assisting in investigating criminal activity pertaining to violence against a person, theft, destruction of property or trespassing; 2) assisting with preparing investigation case reports; and 3) assisting in collecting and seizing evidence. OR Four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree or bachelor's degree with major study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum science, business administration, behavioral science, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Course work in fields other than those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in the position to be filled. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. 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. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions or for Federal Wage System (FWS), wage grade positions, applicants are evaluated using the OPM Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations and the job element examining method. Your SF-50 will be used to confirm you meet all requirements.
As a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a commissioned law enforcement officer performing law enforcement duties that have been enacted to insure the protection and safe use of National Wildlife Refuge System resources. Familiarizes other law enforcement personnel with Federal and state laws governing management of natural resources and maintains liaisons, exchanges information, and coordinates ongoing law enforcement activities. In direct coordination with the Patrol Captain, provides liaison and coordinates prosecution of cases with the state and local courts. Coordinates activities with the Patrol Captain on all multi-jurisdictional law enforcement operations and investigations with other Federal, state, and local agencies, including all civil and criminal case investigations. Provides assistance to local law enforcement agencies, including occasional emergency assistance.