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Paid Crew Lead: Wildlife Refuge Specialist (CA)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hiring a Wildlife Refuge Specialist; this is an amazing opportunity to work on a truly magical national wildlife refuge just off the coast of San Francisco! Work includes assisting with facility maintenance, invasive plant control, leading groups of volunteers, assisting with seabird and other restoration projects, and working closely with partners. Deadline to apply: 4/18/2023!

Agency/Organization: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Location: Farallon Islands NWR, San Francisco, California

Website: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/717208000

Job Description: This position is a Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS- 0485-9 working in Fremont, California for the R8-San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

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

  • Responsible for planning and carrying out work assignments involving technical biological and habitat restoration/development projects for the Refuge/WMD.
  • Collects, enters into various data bases, and analyzes data from assigned habitat management projects to verify content validity and ensure no errors on input.
  • Prepares reports on progress and completion of studies for the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management, who use the data in the formulation of future programs and improvements in Refuge/WMD management practices.
  • Plans and schedules operations and maintenance projects. Develops various work plans and makes recommendations to senior management.
  • Works closely with Engineering and Contracting staff to organize projects covering limited construction, repair and maintenance of equipment, buildings, roads, trails, fences, dikes and other infrastructure.
  • Participates in the development of short and long-range plans, annual work plans, and budgets with Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management. Develops timetables for completion of work for assigned projects.
  • Interacts with other Federal and state agencies and interest groups in the development of long-range plans for management of Refuge/WMD resources with Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management.
  • Performs administrative duties that are incidental to the primary program such as maintenance of station records and fiscal accounts, procurement of supplies, services, and equipment, and disposal of surplus property.
  • Manages/conducts or participates in the Refuge/WMD’s public use program including off-Refuge/WMD programs, interpretive and educational programs, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreational management activities. Maintains in-depth knowledge of accessibility guidelines, etc.
  • Participates in the development of Refuge/WMD outreach materials, brochures, exhibits, web sites, signs, trail systems, and other interpretive and environmental education programs. Facilitates support that encourages wildlife dependent recreation. Gains familiarity with priority public uses. Routinely responds to information requests from individuals, local groups, and organizations.
  • Conducts talks and/or tours with various groups and may serve as an environmental education instructor.
  • Oversees the Refuge/WMD volunteer program to secure assistance with projects involving environmental education, invasive species control, plant and animal monitoring, plant propagation, facilities maintenance, and other programs.
  • Participates with the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the development of Comprehensive Conservation Plans, Habitat Management Plans, and/or land acquisition plans (or portions thereof). Makes reference to the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act (NWRIA); the Endangered Species Act (ESA); the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its requirements within the National Wildlife Refuge System; and Service realty policies and regulations.

Qualifications: In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement
A. I have 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 in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.
B. I have completed courses in an accredited college or university equivalent to a major in zoology, wildlife management, or 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; 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. PLUS I have appropriate experience and/or additional education comparable to the completion of a 4-year course of study.

Minimum Qualification [GS-9]

A. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-7 in the Federal service. Experience includes knowledge of, and skill in applying, 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 land management; Basic knowledge of the land management acts and polices, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their requirements sufficient to be able to recognize when conflicts exist and present findings to supervisor; Skill in oral communication sufficient to address a diverse group of people, often with conflicting interests, to develop and maintain ongoing partnerships or relationships. And Knowledge of, and skill in, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment. NOTE Your resume must contain sufficient details, e.g., mm/yy to mm/yy, work schedule, duties performed, etc. for each work period for consideration.
OR
B. I have successfully completed at least two years (36 semester hours or equivalent) of graduate level education or a master’s degree in zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology related to the duties of the position. NOTE: Transcripts required.
C. I possess a combination of qualifying specialized experience and more than one year of graduate education (both as described above) that, when computed as percentages of their respective requirements, equals at least 100% when combined. Only graduate education beyond the first full year (18 semesters or equivalent) is creditable using this method. NOTE: Submit transcripts and your resume must contain sufficient detail describing this level of experience 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.

To apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/717208000

Application Deadline: 4/18/2023

Start Date: N/A

Contact: Gerry McChesney (gerry_mcchesney@fws.gov)