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

Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Summary

This position is a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer, GL/GS- 1801-7/9/11 working for the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Cost of Living Allowance for Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=COLA-Rates This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/15/2026 to 04/28/2026
This job will close when we have received 400 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$58,771 - $99,774 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Location
24 vacancies in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
50% 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
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
MR-26-12934582-SW-MP
Control number
865213200

Duties

Help

As a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Detect, investigate, apprehend, detain, arrest, and/or issue citations and file criminal complaints; and prosecute violators of a variety of law enforcement acts, laws, rules, and regulations that have been enacted to ensure the protection and safe use of national wildlife refuges resources.
  • Investigate the occurrence of theft or disturbance of archeological resources, illegal harvesting of plants and animals, traffic violations, marijuana cultivation, use or sale of illegal drugs, crimes against persons or property and trespassing.
  • Investigate violation of applicable Federal and State fish and wildlife laws including poaching, illegal hunting of waterfowl, illegal use of aircraft for hunting migratory waterfowl and commercial fishing.
  • Enforce applicable laws and regulations concerning the possession, use, distribution, trafficking, cultivation, and manufacture of controlled substances on Service managed lands.
  • Prepare investigations or case reports by documenting findings and facts, obtaining witness statements and copies of official records, and including pertinent evidence, correspondence, maps, historical information, exhibits, and photographs.

Requirements

Help

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.
  • Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of your duties.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Must successfully complete Land Management Police Training Program (FLTEC) or equivalent, Federal Wildlife Officer Basic Training (FWOBT), and Field Training and Evaluation Program (FWS-FTEP).
  • Age Requirement: The maximum entry-age for this position is 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or are a preference-eligible veteran.
  • Position requires firearm use: Applicants are ineligible for this position if ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon
  • 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.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 04/28/2026 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/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
  2. 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
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GL-09]
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement.
Minimum Qualification [GL-07]
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. OR
  4. 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.
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)

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. 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 for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. 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. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Pay Plans: Grade level 7 and 9 falls under GL pay plan. Grade level 11 falls under GS.

Telework: This position is not suitable for telework.

Education

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.

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

Duty Station Locations: This position requires on-site presence. The selected applicant will be expected to report to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office, with the specific workstation to be determined by the Agency upon selection. Some of the duty stations are: Lake Havasu City, AZ, Chico, CA, Los Banos, CA, Willows, CA, Big Pine Key, FL, Kahuku, HI, Kilauea, HI, Saginaw, MI, Galloway, NJ, McGuire AFB, NJ, Las Vegas, NM, Chincoteague, VA, Warsaw, VA, Hardeeville, SC. A list of all available location can be found at: Locations | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found at: Special Rates - OPM.gov. 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 undergo urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Medical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment medical examination. May be subject to post-employment medical examinations and psychological screening to ensure continued compliance with fitness standards for this position. Required to submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if one is not already on file.
Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate motor vehicles, or special-purpose law enforcement vehicles, including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft.
Law Enforcement Authority: Must accept, maintain, and exercise law enforcement authority.
Certifications: Must be certified in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid or emergency medical services (EMS).
Position Sensitivity: This position is designated as non-critical sensitive. The selectee must maintain a favorable background investigation.
Firearms and Defensive Tactics: Must qualify and maintain annual/semiannual firearms certification and safely utilize firearms, nonlethal weapons, and defensive tactics in daily activities.
Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Under Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9), individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify they have ever been convicted of such an offense.

Alaska Return Rights (excluding Anchorage, Fairbanks and Puerto Rico): If you are a current U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee and you are transferring from a Region outside of Alaska, you will be eligible to return to a position in your home Region upon completion of a minimum 3-year tour of duty in Alaska. If you exercise this option, your home Region will place you in a position of equivalent grade in the same general occupational classification series that you occupied in Alaska. For the professional series at the GS-5 level or above.

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.

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 well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • Skill in enforcing federal, state, and local laws, regulations, relevant court decisions that relate to public lands.
  • Knowledge of methods of investigation, obtaining and maintaining a chain of custody, interviewing and interrogation techniques.
  • Skill in applying law enforcement patrol techniques and practices.
  • Ability to detect, prevent, or curtail illegal and prohibited activities of a potentially destructive nature to public lands and their resources.
  • Ability to interact with others in a professional manner to address a variety of client groups on law enforcement program objectives.

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.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying; errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to Learn more about Fish and Wildlife Service Regions - www.fws.gov/about/regions

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.fws.gov/

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.