Wildlife Refuge Specialist

Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Summary

This position is a Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS- 0485-9/11 in Irrigon, OR for the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

This position assists the Wildlife Refuge Manager in the development and administration of the operating program and other activities on Umatilla NWR. Refuge operations and programs include wildlife biology, ecology, habitat and natural resource management, visitor services, outreach and education, maintenance, environmental compliance, and volunteer programs.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Clarification from the agency

Open to current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees serving under a Career or Career-Conditional appointment, Land Management eligibles, CTAP.

Duties

As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

Responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of coordinating, planning, and carrying out various duties involved with the effective and efficient running of Refuge/Wetland Management District biological programs and services. Oversees and reviews land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat development, clean-up, contaminant and restoration projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management. Ensures all projects comply with national, regional, and Refuge/Wetland Management District policies, regulations and mandates.
Develops and fosters partnerships with other Federal, state and local agencies, and private organizations to protect lands around the Refuge/Wetland Management District.
Participates in the development of required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (or portions thereof) including Environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions. Coordinates with the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the gathering and consolidating of data.
Assists with the planning and directing of the Refuge/WMD's comprehensive public relations/public use program - including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational programs, wildlife dependent recreation (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation), and other recreational management activities - to maximize use of the Refuge/WMD
Assists Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the development of long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets and work schedules. Implements short, medium, and long-range operation plans based on existing or approved plans, and coordinates work schedules for equipment and resources with other Refuge/Wetland Management District within the Refuge Complex.
Utilizes engineering and construction techniques as applied to Refuge/WMD infrastructure, training and operation of heavy equipment, reporting requirements (e.g., real property inventories, personal property inventories, SAMMS, annual maintenance, energy reports, etc.), safety rules, and environmental compliance reporting requirements.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required.
A condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a [1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period] during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
Supervisory Probationary Period: Selectees who have not previously completed a supervisory probationary period, will be required to serve a one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period for this position.
Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 07/29/2026 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
A. Completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelors or higher degree with major in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) in zoology; 6 semester hours (or equivalent) in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours (or equivalent) in conservation biology; and 3 semester hours (or equivalent) in botany. NOTE Transcripts required.
OR
B. Completed courses in an accredited college/ university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) in zoology; 6 semester hours (or equivalent) in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in conservation biology (or equivalent); and 3 semester hours (or equivalent) in botany PLUS appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study. NOTE: Transcripts required and your resume must provide sufficient information, e.g., complete begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc., at this level of experience to meet this standard.

Minimum Qualification [GS-09]
A. One (1) year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-07 in the Federal service. Experience includes meeting one or more of the following: 1) assisting management with a variety of habitat management programs, 2) independently conducting habitat management activities or public use programs, 3) interacting with a variety of individuals and groups through oral and written communications. NOTE Your resume must contain sufficient information, e.g., complete begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc., for each time frame for consideration
OR
B. Successfully completed two academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Master's degree in zoology, wildlife management, or other appropriate field of biology directly related to this position. NOTE Transcripts required.
OR
C. Possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and qualifying graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only education beyond the second graduate year (36 semesters) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Transcripts required, and your resume must contain sufficient information, e.g., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc., for each period of work for consideration to meet this standard.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
A. One (1) year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to grade GS-09 grade level in federal service. Examples of specialized experience include meeting one or more of the following: 1) planning, and management of activities related to land management (e.g., public use, accessibility, endangered species, cultural resources, etc.); 2) interacting with diverse individuals and groups to solve natural resource or land management problems and promote cooperation; 3) participating in development of annual work plans, long-range plans, and associated budgeting. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information, e.g., complete begin/end dates, work schedule, duties performed, etc., for each time frame to be considered.
OR
B. Possess three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in in zoology, wildlife management, or other appropriate field of biology directly related to this position. NOTE Transcripts required.
OR
C. Possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and qualifying graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only education beyond the second graduate year (36 semesters) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Transcripts required, and your resume must contain sufficient information, e.g., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc., for each period of work for consideration to meet this standard.
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

Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Additional information

PCS INFORMATION:
-No PCS entitlements authorized

If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed.

Telework:
This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

Government housing may be available.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the accomplishment record evaluation, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"

Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Probation/Trial Period Con't:
The [probationary or trial] 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 -OR- trial period] your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position. Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are minimally qualified for this job, HR will complete a review of your resume and supporting documentation.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications requirement(s), the best qualified candidates will be identified through a structured resume review panel that will result in issuing a ranking referral list to the hiring manager. The panel will measure the specialized experience and critical competencies and/or job elements listed below that are required to successfully perform in the position. Please see "How to Apply" section below for rating criteria.

Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: You may only submit one resume. Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience.

Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
- Classified or government sensitive information
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Photos of yourself
- Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
- Encrypted and digitally signed documents.

2. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

3. SF-50: (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position.

If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.

4. Applicants applying under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act must submit documentation verifying eligibility. Required documentation includes: First and last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for each appointment verifying the Position Occupied code (block 34, code 1-Competitive Service), AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each appointment, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period. Failure to submit required documentation may result in loss of consideration. Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility.

4. Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Additional Documentation if applicable:

1. Cover Letter

2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above.

3. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP eligible.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Rating Criteria:
-(GS-11)Knowledge of applicable laws and Service/Department policies, objectives, planning, and management activities related to the National Wildlife Refuge System (e.g., public use, accessibility, law enforcement, etc.) and knowledge of State, local, and Tribal laws, customs, and economic interests including the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act (NWRIA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements sufficient to perform duties with legal boundaries and identify improper or illegal activities on the wildlife refuge.
-(GS-11)Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, and manage the resolution of complex resource use issues and problems related to a wildlife Refuge/WMD (e.g. control waterfowl depredation problems associated with a Refuge/WMD located in an area of intensive agricultural development; control disease outbreaks occurring among large concentrations of waterfowl; manage a large, diverse, and complex cooperative farming program; and/or operate a large and diverse hunting program consistent with laws, agency regulations, and local customs) sufficient to effectively and efficiently resolve complex issues and problems related to the day-to-day operations of a wildlife refuge.
-(GS-9 & 11)Knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of population and wildlife biology to include species lifecycle requirements (conservation biology, landscape ecology) sufficient to independently perform a variety of natural resource assignments and solve minor issues and problems related to the management of a wildlife refuge/wetland district.
-(GS-9 & 11)Ability to communicate effectively with Refuge/WMD staff, the general public, non-governmental organizations, and other local, state, and Federal agencies, and work cooperatively with diverse individuals and groups to solve problems, promote cooperation, and inform the public of issues facing the Refuge/WMD.
-(GS-9)Working knowledge of methods, procedures, and techniques applied in Refuge/WMD management, and habitat and wildlife management sufficient to prepare a variety of documents and responses to management.

Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the questions presented in the application and upload required documents. To preview the questions presented in the application, clickhttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13000931.
Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
Applications must be received by 07/29/2026 , 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division

Email: fwshiring@fws.gov

Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.

You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.

Wildlife Refuge Specialist Job in IRRIGON, OR