Rangeland Conservation Expert

Agency Clarification

Open to U.S. Citizens, CTAP, ICTAP

Position Overview

This role is designated as a Rangeland Management Specialist (RMS) with full promotion potential to GS-11, or as a trainee at GS-7, within a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Office. The RMS plays a pivotal role in the conservation, development, and stewardship of public rangelands. The responsibilities necessitate a deep understanding of the ecological needs of native flora, primarily consisting of grasses, grass-like plants, herbs, and shrubs. At the GS-07 level, the individual will undertake various tasks under a structured training program, with increasing complexity and autonomy as proficiency is demonstrated.

As an RMS, the incumbent will be tasked with preparing, assessing, and executing biological evaluations of public rangeland initiatives. Responsibilities include formulating conservation strategies, designing technical assessments, and engaging in rangeland construction endeavors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate ecological management of rangeland and wildlife in alignment with multiple-use management principles.
• Act as the primary liaison and negotiator regarding rangeland resources and associated activities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess rangeland resources and ecosystem effects, exploring alternatives and trade-offs of various project proposals.
• Maintain ongoing communication with permit holders, stakeholders, and others to ensure adherence to established plans and quality standards.
• Inform rangeland users about activities impacting their access to specific rangeland areas.
• Develop both long-term and short-term strategies based on rangeland resource requirements, workforce availability, equipment, budget considerations, and public demand for resource utilization.
• Conduct monitoring of plant community dynamics, grazing impacts, precipitation, and soil erosion risks to correlate with other rangeland resource activities.

Employment Conditions

• U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
• Background investigation and drug screening may be required.
• Compliance with Selective Service Registration Act is necessary for male applicants.
• Submission of a resume and supporting documentation is required.
• Active real estate licenses or interests in firms with federal land interests are prohibited.
• New federal employees or supervisors must complete a one-year probationary period.
• Participation in the Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer Program is required.
• A valid state driver's license must be obtained and maintained.
• Overnight travel may be required up to five nights per month.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 340.

Qualifications

To qualify, candidates must meet both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification criteria outlined below. Relevant experience must be clearly articulated in the resume, along with a copy of official or unofficial transcripts.

Basic Requirement for the 0454 Series:
1. Education: Successful completion of a degree in range management or a related field, including at least 42 semester hours across plant, animal, soil sciences, and natural resource management, as follows:

• Range Management: Minimum of 18 semester hours in range management principles, ecology, and planning.
• Related Sciences: At least 15 semester hours in plant, animal, and soil sciences.
• Resource Management Studies: Minimum of 9 semester hours in related resource management subjects.

OR,

2 . Combination of Education and Experience : Education that includes at least 42 semester hours in the aforementioned areas, supplemented by relevant experience or additional education.

AND,

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must demonstrate the required specialized experience and/or education for the grade level of application:

Specialized Experience GS-07: One year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-05 level, including: (1) assisting in wildlife habitat and vegetation data collection; (2) aiding in aerial photo interpretation for vegetation classification; (3) compiling biological and vegetation usage data; (4) supporting communication and educational programs related to wildlife habitats.

OR, Education GS-07: One year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in range management or a related field.

OR, Combination GS-07: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education equating to 100% of the total requirement.

Specialized Experience GS-09 : One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level, including: (1) advanced training in range management; (2) conducting surveys and drafting professional recommendations; (3) performing analytical assignments in range management.

OR, Education GS-09: Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in range management or a related field.

OR, Combination GS-09: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education equating to 100% of the total requirement.

Specialized Experience GS-11 : One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level, including: (1) developing and managing range conservation plans; (2) advising landowners on rangeland management principles; (3) conducting inventories and monitoring rangeland resources.

OR, Education GS-11: Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in range management or a related field.

OR, Combination GS-11: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education equating to 100% of the total requirement.

All candidates must meet qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Volunteer Experience: Experience includes both paid and unpaid work, including volunteer roles that build relevant competencies and skills. Credit will be given for all qualifying experience.

To qualify based on education, a legible copy of transcripts must be submitted, reflecting the applicant's name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and GPA or class ranking.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If over 10% of undergraduate coursework was on a pass/fail basis, claims of superior academic achievement must be based on class standing or honor society membership.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is defined by the number of credit hours determined by the graduate school to represent full-time study.