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Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer, GS- 1801-11/12 working in California or Nevada for the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
07/19/2024 to 08/01/2024
Salary
$72,553 to - $113,047 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
R8-24-12476573-SW-MP
Control number
800575200

Duties

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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 patrol duties. These duties include, but are not limited to; detecting, and investigating crime; apprehending, detaining, arresting and/or issuing citations/warnings; educating the public; and prosecuting violators for a variety of laws enacted for the protection of life, property, and resources
  • Administrative duties other than LE reports include, but are not limited to; monthly regional summaries, evidence, timekeeping, property and fleet management, budget & purchasing, training records, and LE plans.
  • Documenting incidents and case information in records management system(s) and completing regular activity/patrol logs.
  • As appropriate develops and/or manages regional LE online records and electronic files, such as Evidence.com, SharePoint and Teams sites, Excel sheets or other regional systems with the intent to improve program efficiency.
  • Assist Chief, as directed, in communication and information sharing within the region, across the Service as well as external to the agency.
  • Assists the Chief in the planning and execution of the Service's mandatory annual in-service training as well as other training and qualifications including, advanced training and instructor management. Continuously evaluates effectiveness of training program and makes recommendations on future needs.
  • As directed, serves as a regional representative on Service-wide working groups to review training program requirements. Serves as a liaison with the Branch of Training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and participates in curriculum reviews.
  • Assist the Chief and Patrol Captains with overall management of LE program, including, but not limited to; law enforcement planning & strategy, staffing, budget, compliance and inspections, policy review/implementation, fleet, inter/intra agency coordination, MOU's and special projects as they develop.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Resume (See "Required Documents"). Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is provided on resume.
  • Eligibility and Supporting documents - 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.
  • 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.
  • Drug testing position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
  • Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
  • Driver’s License: Selectees MAY be required to possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times during their tenure.
  • Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.
  • Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform MAY be required.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment
  • 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 08/01/2024 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess Minimum Qualification.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]

  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: work performed investigating violations of laws and regulations on federal land including laws pertaining to poaching, illegal hunting, or similar wildlife-related activities; preparing investigative case files according to standard operating procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements; reviewing law enforcement regulations, policies or procedures to recommend improvements or clarifications; and delivering presentations or informal talks to the public about the laws, regulations and policies in land management. OR
  2. I have successfully completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree in any related field: 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
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement
Minimum Qualification [GS-12]
  1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples of specialized experience include: work performed investigating violations of laws and regulations on federal lands, including laws pertaining to poaching, illegal hunting, or similar wildlife-related activities; preparing investigative case files according to standard operating procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements; reviewing law enforcement regulations, policies or procedures to recommend improvements or clarifications; delivering presentations or informal talks to the public about the laws, regulations and policies in land management; and administering the training and budgetary program.
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

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):
Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP, 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 assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

For information on CTAP and ICTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/"

The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures.

Note: You MUST submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA. Performance documentation can be obtained by contacting the supervisors for the positions you served in during your 24 months. If they did not complete performance appraisals ask them to provide a statement of performance for each period of service. The statement must specify the dates for each employment period and your level of performance (dates should match the dates on the SF-50s).

Current appointees:

  • Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;
  • Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
  • Must have performed at an acceptable level.

Former appointees:

  • Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency;
  • Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
  • Must apply for position within 2 years after separation;
  • Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
  • Must have performed at an acceptable level.

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Served as a qualified youth on an appropriate conservation project completing a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service that included at least 120 hours through the PLC and received a certificate of non-competitive eligibility. Completed most recent Corps service, for which a certificate of non-competitive eligibility was issued, within the last 2 years. Appointment must be effected within the 2 year period.

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.

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.

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. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

Duty Station: The duty station for this position will be located in the states of California or Nevada. The salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found at: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2024/general-schedule Please Note: If selected, you may be placed at a regional office, field office, current duty station, or other DOI-owned or leased worksite at the discretion of management. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process.

PCS INFORMATION:
-Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable.
-In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: You must pass a pre-employment medical examination. Also, you may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if you are maintaining the fitness standards for this position.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license in order to operates motor vehicles, or special purpose law enforcement vehicles of various types including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft.
Require to obtain and wear an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform.
Require to submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if the form is not already on file.
Require to accept, maintain, and exercise law enforcement authority.
Must be certified in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid or emergency medical services (EMS).
Must qualify with and maintain (annual/semiannual) firearms qualification and must safely utilize firearms, nonlethal weapons, and defensive tactics in the conduct of daily activities.
This position sensitivity level has been designated as critical sensitive. The selectee must maintain favorable background investigation.
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorized the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
37th BIRTHDAY: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or you are a preference eligible veteran.
Law Enforcement Retirement: The incumbent of this position performs primary law enforcement work and is eligible for coverage under the law enforcement retirement provisions of Title 5. U.S.C. Part 841 or 842.

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

How you will be evaluated

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

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

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Ability to assist with the administrative management of the law enforcement program for the assigned area while working with Managers/Project Leaders to incorporate resource management objectives and concerns (i.e., effectively monitor resources, recognize changes and threats, design and implement resources action plans, and evaluate actions of subordinate staff).
  • Knowledge of administrative, procedural and budgetary policies sufficient to develop a variety of work plans and program schedules, including estimates of personnel resources, equipment, materials and training needs.
  • Ability to participate in the administration of a law enforcement training program.
  • Knowledge of law enforcement patrol techniques, practices, and equipment, including back country patrol, surveillance techniques, anti-poaching operations, interviewing and interrogation techniques and methods, arrest techniques, emergency vehicle operation, and accident investigation to direct and evaluate the effectiveness of patrol operations.

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.

This vacancy will utilize a multiple hurdle assessment process to determine the qualifications of applicants. The first hurdle will consist of applicants completing an occupational questionnaire related to the major duties and competencies of the position. The second hurdle will consist of applicant resumes being reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel for related position competencies against a pre-determined rating schedule. This process will determine the final rating of the applicant for possible referral to the hiring official for hiring consideration.

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