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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, GS- 1801-11/12 working in the Division or Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/07/2026 to 05/20/2026
Salary
$76,745 - $119,583 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
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
12
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
R8-26-12951086-SW-MP
Control number
868043100

Duties

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

  • Support the Region's administration and management of Refuge law enforcement activities.
  • Provides advisory and technical expertise to FWOs and Project Leaders/Refuge Managers on Regional law enforcement issues.
  • Implements plans, policies, standards, and procedures, and assists in the management of the Regional NWRS law enforcement budget.
  • Supports the RLEC for all criminal and civil investigations.
  • Key Regional level position that supports multiple states, different jurisdictions, and mission essential program areas.

Requirements

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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 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.
  • Law Enforcement Training: 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).
  • 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.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 05/20/2026 will be considered.

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

Minimum Qualification [GS-12]

  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience may include: 1) work performed investigating violations of laws and regulations on a wildlife refuge, including 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; 4) delivering presentations or informal talks to the public about the laws, regulations and policies of a wildlife refuge; 5) administering the training and budgetary program.
Minimum Qualification [GS-11]
  1. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to at least grade GS/GL-9 in the Federal service. Specialized experience demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform successfully the duties of this position. 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; 4) deliver 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.
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

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 questionnaire, 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.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: : If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA 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, based on your adjudication decision. 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 RA, 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

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

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

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. Discretionary entitlements are not authorized for this position.

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

Duty Station: This position is location negotiable, and the selected applicant will be expected to report to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office within Region 8 (California/Nevada). This position requires on-site presence and the specific workstation will to be determined by the Agency upon selection. A list of all available locations 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.

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. Must 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.
Uniform: Required to obtain and wear an official USFWS uniform.
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.
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.
Special Retirement Coverage - Secondary LE Position: This is a SECONDARY/Administrative LE position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). Secondary positions are not subject to the Maximum Entry Age (MEA); however, selectees must have prior service in a primary position and meet transfer requirements to maintain special retirement coverage. To qualify for secondary coverage under CSRS or FERS, you must: (1)Transfer directly from a primary position without a break in service exceeding 3 days; (2) Have completed at least 3 years in a primary position (including service without FERS deductions); and (3) Remain continuously employed in a secondary position after moving from a rigorous position, except for breaks due to involuntary separation not for cause. Applicants must provide documentation (e.g., SF-50) to confirm retirement status and avoid loss of benefits.

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
  • Ability to assist with the administrative management of the law enforcement program to incorporate resource management objectives and concerns.
  • Knowledge of the Service's administrative, procedural, and budgetary policies sufficient to develop a variety of work plans and program schedules.
  • Ability to participate in the administration of a law enforcement training program.
  • Ability to detect, prevent, or curtail illegal and prohibited activities of a potentially destructive nature to public lands and their resources.
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.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12951086

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division

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