Natural Resources Specialist

Summary This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Serves as Natural Resources Specialist in the Technical Support Branch of Operations Division, responsible for supporting up to 16 dam basin facilities located within the tri-state area of Southern California, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. Responsibilities Serves as technical expert on matters of public land use and conservation, protection of natural resources, wildlife habitat, recreation, and soil and water quality issues. Advises engineering staff regarding balanced decision making for the management of lands and facilities, conserving natural resources consistent with ecosystem management principles, and adherence to sound environmental stewardship. Advises staff on compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Mentors biologists in biological and natural resources field work. Coordinates with park rangers in the development and shaping of future recreation projects and reviews plans for proposed projects. Provides field guidance to ensure that operation and maintenance of dams and related facilities is undertaken in a manner that minimizes and reduces adverse impacts to the environment. Participates with other Divisions to ensure compliance with established environmental policies and guidelines at Corps managed and outgranted lands. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education AND experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist: A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: Preparing documents to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act; conducting QA reviews of documents; advising staff on compliance with environmental documents. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11). Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Education 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: Additional Information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a(n) 18 Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Depending on funding availability and management discretion. An Incentive must be requested by selected applicant at the time of the tentative job offer and approved prior to hire. An Incentive requires a signed service agreement. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers