Rangeland Management Specialist
Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource.
These positions are located in Winnemucca, NV. For information about the area visit: City of Winnemucca.
We expect to fill a few vacancies at this time. Additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.
Applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement by September 15, 2024.
This job is open to
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
All U.S. Citizens - No previous Federal Service is required. CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.
Duties
- Conducts monitoring studies and determines the need for range and watershed improvements that are related to management objectives. Gather, analyze, interpret, and evaluate monitoring data to determine if land use objectives are being met.
- Develops, maintains and revises planning documents in the district office for the rangeland management program in accordance with established planning schedules.
- Provides input to interdisciplinary reports, environmental assessments resource management plans, and protective stipulations for rangeland ecosystems.
- Reviews range permits applications to ensure compliance with appropriate federal law and regulation. Processes protests and appeals, prepares casework in preparation for hearings.
- Authorizes livestock use, process crossing permits, transfers, perform case file updates, and execute unauthorized use actions, range use adjustments and exchange-of- use authorizations.
- Serves as a rangeland resource consultant and advisor to numerous ranchers, farmers, and other land users in an assigned area.
- Serves as an interdisciplinary member or reviewer of district and field office planning and NEPA documentation efforts as needed.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
- You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
- Direct Deposit Required.
- Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
- Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
- May require a one year probationary period.
Qualifications
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
This position has a Basic Education Requirement: Degree: Range Management OR a related discipline that included at least 42 semester hours in a combination of the plant, animal, soil sciences, and natural resources management, as follows:
- Range Management: At least 18 semester hours of course work in range management, including courses in such areas as basic principles of range management, range plants, range ecology, range inventories and studies, range improvements, and ranch or rangeland planning.
- Directly related plant, animal, and soil sciences: At least 15 semester hours of directly related courses in the plant, animal, and soil sciences, including at least one (1) course in each of these three scientific areas, i.e., plant, animal, and soil sciences. Courses in such areas as plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, animal nutrition, livestock production, and soil morphology or soil classification are acceptable.
- Related resource management studies: At least 9 semester hours of course work in related resource management subjects, including courses in such areas as wildlife management, watershed management, natural resource or agricultural economics, forestry, agronomy, forages, and outdoor recreation management.
At the GS-09 Level:
Specialized Experience: Meet the basic requirement AND One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service doing rangeland management related work. At this level, rangeland management specialists independently perform recurring assignments that are more difficult and complex than those performed by a recent graduate. Examples of specialized experience include doing the work requiring the application of expanded professional knowledge, such as assisting with grazing leases, permits, transfers and allotment management plans; monitoring studies, allotment evaluations and inspections; and analyzing multiple resource management issues.
-OR-
Education: Meet the basic requirement AND I have completed two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in the field of rangeland management or directly related fields of study.
-OR-
Combination of Education and Specialized Experience: Meet the basic requirement AND I possess an equivalent combination of the type and level of experience and education described above. Only graduate level education in excess of the first year of may be combined with experience.
At the GS-11 Level:
Specialized Experience: Meet the basic requirement AND I have one year of professional range management experience year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in Federal service doing rangeland management related work. At this level, work assignments require the rangeland management specialist to determine approaches and solutions using professional knowledge or experience of range management operations. Examples of specialized experience include resolving grazing administration issues, developing allotment plans, and serving as principal contact and negotiator for rangeland issues within multiple-use-management areas.
-OR-
Education: Meet the basic requirement AND I have completed three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the field of rangeland management or directly related fields of study.
-OR-
Combination of Education and Specialized Experience: Meet the basic requirement AND I possess an equivalent combination of the type and level of experience and education described above. Only graduate level education in excess of the first two years may be combined with experience.
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.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Physical Demands: The individual works in an office setting at this level, however, in order to gather samples and complete monitoring activities, the individual may frequently be required to walk or ride horses and/or vehicles over rough terrain, perform duties that require recurring bending, crouching, stooping, reaching or lifting. Work may also include lifting of moderately heavy items, such equipment and samples. Extended periods of driving four wheel drive vehicles over rough terrain is required to reach remote areas. Overnight camping is sometimes required. The incumbent may subjected to hostile wildlife, chemical and physical hazards.
Work Environment: The work of the employee is performed in an office setting. However, frequently when necessary to complete the work, there is outdoor exposure. Outdoor exposure requires some discomfort in extremes of temperature or inclement weather. Outdoor work is performed in remote areas. The work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomfort (e.g., outdoor camping, insect borne disease). Special safety precautions and specialized equipment are required.
Education
This position falls under the OPM Standards for Professional and Scientific positions, series 0454, Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR).
This position has a basic education requirement which requires that you have a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, or a combination of education and experience---courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. See qualification section for description of the Basic Education Requirement (BER).
Please note, for this announcement applicants must meet the Basic Education Requirement by September 15, 2024.
Template to Describe Coursework for Rangeland Management Specialist (GS-454 Series). Applicants can complete this template, have it signed by a professor or advisor and submit it as evidence for how their courses qualify them for the 454-Series. Video that describes how to use the GS-454 Template.
You MUST submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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.
All selections and tentative offers of selection are contingent upon submission and verification of 'official' transcripts.
Additional information
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): 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, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Department of the Interior. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selected employee.
The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
This announcement is being advertised concurrently under number NV-Merit-24-12476936-KP, for status candidates and special hiring authority eligible. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.
- Benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans.
In addition, one or more Subject Matter Experts will conduct a resume review. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview. The interviews may be conducted on a pass/fail basis or may be scored.
Your answers to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
- Compliance Inspection
- Knowledge Management
- Manages and Organizes Information
- Planning and Evaluating
- Rangeland Management
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 successful completion of the following additional assessment: Subject Matter Expert Resume Panel Review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year). USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter.
Transcripts: See education section for documentation requirements.
Veterans: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, 'Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,' (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable) OR written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit documentation that supports your claim as shown on the back of the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. SF-15.
If you are claiming Sole Survivorship Veterans' Preference (SSP), please provide the documentation you received granting this preference.
Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/special-hiring-authorities/.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: Submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location.
Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the 'Documents' step during the application process.
Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.
Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
HelpHow to Apply
THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by 07/30/2024. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the HR Office at kpitman@blm.gov. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the Internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you have access to a public library, State Job Service Office, etc., you should use these resources to apply online. You must follow the steps described below to complete the application process:
YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBS. Your profile must contain a current resume for submission. See Required Documents section for what to include in your resume.
INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is an available tool when you login to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered.
- You must submit a resume and also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
- To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12476935
FOLLOW UP: Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 07/30/2024.
NOTE: Technical problems may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.
Agency contact information
Kristie Pitman
Address
BLM Nevada State Office
BLM Nevada State Office
NV-953
1340 Financial Blvd.
Reno, NV 89502
US