Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Outdoor Recreation Planner

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource.

This position is located at the Palm Springs - South Coast Field Office. Information about Palm Springs and the surrounding area can be found here.

We expect to fill two vacancies at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/01/2023 to 03/08/2023
This job will close when we have received 40 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$54,067 to - $104,016 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Palm Springs, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Travel and relocation expenses will be paid consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302, and Departmental policy. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. See "Other" section for additional information on 2017 Tax Cuts as related to PCS.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CADE-23-11854806-VG
Control number
709743200

Duties

Help
  • Serve as coordinator and technical advisor for one or more outdoor recreation programs.
  • Advise and assist in the development and timely dissemination of information concerning program activities and responsibilities.
  • Develop content for environmental and project planning documents such as Resource Management Plans, Site Plans, and Environmental Assessments, and review, and/or edit content that address recreational topics.
  • Research and analyze a wide array of recreation related data and information on topics such as recreational use, commercial use, visitation, recreation values, environmental impacts, funding, performance, etc.
  • Advise Field Office managers on aspects of the development and management of recreational opportunities (i.e., waysides, campgrounds, trails, and other visitor services) within the field office.
  • Oversee the operation of public use sites, permit programs, concessionaire operations, facilities, ect.
  • Identify training needs and promote and implement an integrated training program to teach basic and complex skills of Outdoor Recreation Planning.
  • Participate in the issuance and oversight of Special Recreation Permits for activities including a variety of commercially guided activities on public land.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
  • You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
  • Direct Deposit Required.
  • Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
  • Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
  • An applicant appointed to this position must possess (or obtain within 30 days of entrance on duty) and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
  • May require a one year probationary or two year trial period.
  • This is a Bargaining Unit position.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. No assumptions will be made about your experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying:

To be eligible for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess one of the following:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Examples of specialized experience may include performing a variety of outdoor recreation planning tasks such as; collecting data from surveys and inventories utilizing sampling techniques and databases; monitoring and inspecting recreation facilities; processing fees and permits; maintaining maintenance at campgrounds and trailheads; preparing recreation activity plans and environmental assessment.

OR

Education: 1 year of graduate level education. Education at the graduate level in an accredited college or university. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attend has determined to represent 1 year of fulltime study requirement. The applicant meets 18 semester hours is considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement.

OR

Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A): successful completion of a full 4 year college with Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A) in a field directly related to the position.

Superior Academic Achievement (See OPM's General Policies, Application of Qualification Standards Section 4.f.) S.A.A. must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.

To be eligible for this position at the GS-09 grade level, you must possess one of the following:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following and related types of assignments: researching and/or replying to requests from special interest groups, and questions from the general public regarding outdoor recreation programs; performing fact finding, analytical, or interpretive work to support assignments; analyzing data related to existing and potential recreation resources in order to identify prominent trends; preparing data summaries and basic drafts of supporting material for inclusion in resource study reports.

OR

Education: Successful completion of at least a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university with major study in outdoor recreation planning or a related field such as: sociology, forestry, landscape architecture, economics, biological science, park administration, earth science, natural resource management and conservation, civil engineering, urban planning, or recreation, which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Applicants who qualify on the basis of graduate work in related disciplines must have one or more courses in outdoor recreation. You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education.

OR

Combination: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first divide your total months of qualifying specialized experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one (1) year (18 semester hours) by 18. Add the two percentages together. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Note: Only graduate education in excess of the first year (18 semester hours) is creditable toward meeting the experience requirement when combining experience and education. You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education.

To be eligible for this position at the GS-11 grade level, you must possess one of the following:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing the following and related type of assignments: coordinating with managers, planners, and resource specialists to identify recreation program needs; monitoring studies and surveys, to identify trends and patterns in the development and management of recreation resources; conducting outreach to promote recreational opportunities on public land; representing an agency at management and professional conferences for the purpose of advancing advocacy for public lands stewardship.

OR

Education: Successful completion of at least a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or at least 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, in outdoor recreation planning or a related field such as: sociology, forestry, landscape architecture, economics, biological science, park administration, earth science, natural resource management and conservation, civil engineering, urban planning, or recreation, which provided me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Graduate work in related disciplines must have one or more courses in outdoor recreation. You must include transcripts with your application to support qualifying based on education.

OR

Combination: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. To combine education and experience, first divide your total months of qualifying specialized experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond two (2) years (36 semester hours) by 18. Add the two percentages together. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. When combining specialized experience and education, only units in excess of the first two years (36 semester hours or the Master's level) may be used to meet the educational requirement. You must include transcripts with your application to support qualifying based on education.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary. However, there may be some physical exertion such as walking; hiking; standing; bending; carrying of items such as books and backpacks; driving an automobile or off-highway vehicle; operating a small boat, etc.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. Occasional travel may be required. The position may be required to visit field sites where risks may include exposure to inclement weather and potential injury from falls, strains, bites, stings, etc. The incumbent will adhere to all safety rules and regulations as prescribed in manuals/supplements or designated by the Safety Officer.

Education

This position has a individual occupation requirement which requires that you have A or B as shown below.

A. Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- outdoor recreation planning or a related field such as: sociology, forestry, landscape architecture, economics, biological science, park administration, earth science, natural resource management and conservation, civil engineering, urban planning, or recreation. Applicants who qualify on the basis of graduate work in related disciplines must have one or more courses in outdoor recreation.

or

B. Experience

Specialized Experience: Experience that demonstrated the ability to plan and coordinate the use of land, water, and related resources for recreation and conservation purposes. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

  • Ability to deal with people of differing backgrounds and behavioral patterns.
  • Analysis and evaluation of outdoor recreation interests, habits, and needs of diversified groups, and the means for meeting those needs.
  • Evaluation of land or water areas for their recreation and related potential use, such as wildlife reserve.
  • Preparation or review of plans and programs for natural resource utilization and recreation area development.
  • Solution of administrative, intergovernmental, socioeconomic, and other problems involved in providing adequate recreation opportunities while preserving, restoring, and enhancing the quality of the outdoor environment.
Note: If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. See Required Documents section for more information.

Additional information

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit E-Verify

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP

Tax Law Impact for PCS: Moving expenses reimbursement is a taxable benefit. However, the Federal Travel Regulation 18-05 issued by General Services Administration has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance and Relocation Income Tax Allowance to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals.

The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement and may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

** THIS IS A READVERTISEMENT OF ANNOUNCEMENT CADE-23-11761306-TB **
Applicants who applied under the previous announcement MUST reapply to receive consideration.


This announcement is being advertised concurrently under CAMP-23-11854799-SLT, for status candidates and special hiring authority eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. 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. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview.

Your answers to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Partnering
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • Technical Competence


In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.