Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

Full Job Description

This position is a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer, GS- 1801-12 working for the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Only experience and education obtained by 04/28/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification.

Minimum Qualification [GS-12] One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 in the Federal service.

Examples of specialized experience may include: (1) Investigating criminal activities impacting natural resources on public lands; (2) Preparing and submitting investigative or case-related reports; (3) Apprehending violators and issuing citations for violations of Federal and state laws; (4) Conducting Federal Wildlife Canine (FWC) training and assisting with the development of canine operational plans.

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/" 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.

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 Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S.

Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Positions that require the use of a Firearm - 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.

Telework: This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster. Major Duties:

As a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Lead and oversee the National Canine Program for the National Wildlife Refuge System's Law Enforcement (NWRS LE) Program, setting national strategy, standards, and performance outcomes across regions.

Develop and enforces national policy, SOPs, and certification/training standards for canine teams; aligns curricula and refreshers with NWRS LE's Branch of Training, Department of Interior (DOI), and industry standards.

Manage program resources and compliance (budget, equipment, welfare/medical, kennels, safety) consistent with NWRS LE directives and DOI requirements.

Coordinate operational deployments and interagency partnerships to support resource protection, public safety, and priority enforcement operations; advises Regional and National leadership.

Monitor program effectiveness through reporting, audits, and risk/threat assessments; briefs NWRS leadership at all levels and drives continuous improvement across the NWRS LE canine program.