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Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Baileys Crossroads, Virginia
Closing date
Oct 4, 2020
Duties

Summary

This position is part of the R9-Div of Refuge Law Enforcement. As a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer you will be responsible for developing and implementing plans, policies, standards and procedures and providing guidance, and technical expertise. The incumbent serves as a commissioned law enforcement officer who integrates an understanding of the NWRS conservation mission and the laws, rules, and regulations relating to resource protection into all activities.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

  • Recommend changes in national policy; develop new national goals, directives, and policy statements; and formulate strategies to realign and enhance program operations to better serve the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS).
  • Evaluate national NWRS law enforcement program activities for compliance with national goals, policy statements, Congressional mandates, and directives.
  • Reviews law enforcement operations, budget, and staffing needs from a system-wide perspective and recommending national strategies to accomplish the core mission and priorities of the NWRS.
  • Develops and maintains a national refuge law enforcement case management system to facilitate supervisory case oversight and provide immediate access to data needed to satisfy reporting requirements of FWS, DOI and other agencies.
  • Works closely with the Division of Human Resources' staff on many issues including position descriptions. special LE retirement coverage, background investigations, psychological exams, medical standards, personnel actions, etc.
  • Conducts special studies and projects, researching issues, and analyzing critical program matters.
  • Represents the refuge law enforcement program as a team member on Department, Service, and inter agency task force and working groups.
  • Must maintain proficiency with firearms and successfully pass periodic firearm qualifications. Additionally, to comply with 18 U.S.C. 922(g) (9), the incumbent must not be convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
  • Drug testing position and both physical and medical exams required
  • Incumbent must have successfully served at least one year as an Federal Wildlife Officer
  • Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform required
  • Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a favorable Top Secret background investigation
  • Incumbent must have successfully completed basic law enforcement training as well as an additional 40 hours of in-service training annually.
  • Incumbent must maintain certain Licenses and Certifications
  • Safely utilize firearms, non-lethal weapons, and defensive tactics in the conduct of daily activities
  • Time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F applies


Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 10/06/2020 will be considered.

You may qualify at the GS-11 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
  • One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in conducting investigation, apprehension, and/or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States; interpreting laws and regulations and policies regarding a law enforcement operation; and assisting in the development of policies and procedures for an LE program.; OR
  • A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.M. degree, if related. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position, examples of qualifying fields include natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administrations, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources.; OR
  • A combination of education and experience as listed above.
  • You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

    One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in conducting investigation, apprehension, and/or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States; representing the refuge law enforcement program as a team member on Department, Service, and inter agency task force and working groups; collecting, summarizing, and reporting law enforcement data regarding serious incidents drug cases, annual crime reports, etc. and ensuring data quality and system integrity is maintained; management and administration and support; data collection, analysis and reporting for the Refuge law enforcement program.

    You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

    One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability in conducting investigation apprehension, and/or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States; representing the refuge law enforcement program as a team member on Department, Service, and inter agency task force and working groups; program planning and administration for a law enforcement program; data collection analysis and reporting for the Refuge LE program; drafting issue and periodic briefing papers on law enforcement issues, critical incidents, operational activities, policy implementation, etc.; maintaining knowledge of changing refuge system needs, emerging national priorities and developing critical issues; work in the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, and management of the Refuge law enforcement program; analyzing cost effectiveness of differing approaches and recommending program changes to increase cost efficiency.

    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.

    Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11/12/13. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11/12/13. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

    The Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA),P.L. 114-47, allows certain individuals who currently or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies to compete under merit promotion procedures:
    Current appointees:
    Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment that qualifies for LMWFA.
    ·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency.
    ·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years; AND
    ·Must have performed at an acceptable level.
    Former appointees:
    ·Must have been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited appointment with a land management agency,
    ·Must have served under 1 or more time limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years;
    ·Must apply for position within 2 years after separation,
    ·Must have been separated for reasons other than misconduct or performance; AND
    ·Must have performed at an acceptable level

    Career Transition Assistance Program Plan (CTAP): These programs apply to employees who have been or may be involuntarily separated (e.g. reduction in force, declining to relocate/transfer outside their local commuting area) 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 for this position, you must: (1) meet ICTAP or CTAP 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 ICTAP or CTAP eligibility (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal or Removal Notice; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; or Removal and most recent performance appraisal.). For more information visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/

    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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

    Additional information

    THIS IS A DRUG TESTING DESIGNATED POSITION: Applicant(s) tentatively selected for this position will be required prior to appointment to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use. Incumbent(s) will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.

    Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorized the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
    Qualify to carry and use firearms. Maintain a minimum 80% proficiency with assigned firearms throughout tenure.

    Must be able to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle. A valid state driver's license is required.

    Requirement to submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if the form is not already on file.

    This position sensitivity level has been designated as critical sensitive. The selectee must undergo a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) prior to appointment.

    The employee selected may be required to work a non-standard tour of duty that may include weekends, holidays, and night shifts.

    The employee may be frequently required to travel from their assigned duty station to various areas inside the jurisdictional boundaries of the United States.

    FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for situational only telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. More than one position may be filled from this announcement.

    Relocation (PCS Move) authorized as follows: travel and relocation expenses including reimbursable real estate expenses will be authorized in accordance with the Federal travel regulations excluding contractor-provided home sale. All moving expenses are taxable.
    To register or verify your registration go to the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx

    If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information .

    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you meet the basic qualifications your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility

    Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
    • Knowledge of principles and practices of management to plan, organize direct, and evaluate law enforcement programs is essential. Prior experience in the investigation, apprehension, and/or detention of individuals suspected of violating criminal laws of the United States is required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position.
    • Knowledge of and skill in applying Service and NWRS policies, regulations, and management plans to effectively address them into law enforcement program management activities, to provide guidance to Federal land managers and cooperators, to participate in the evaluation of refuge law enforcement program performance, and to identify areas to increase efficiency while accomplishing actual operations.
    • Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of constituents; and to interact with others in a professional manner in order to address a variety of client groups on law enforcement program objectives and to garner support for the Refuge Law Enforcement Program. This includes the ability to obtain support from Federal, state, and local government law enforcement officials, Congressional office representatives, property owners, and commercial and environmental interest groups to maintain or advance the Service's programs.


    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Top Secret

    Drug test required
    Yes

    Position sensitivity and risk
    Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

    Trust determination process

    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), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
  • Other supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter, optional
    • Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
    • SF-50 (non-award), or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. Note: Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you MUST submit a copy of your latest non-award SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action," that shows you are serving under a permanent career or career-conditional appointment (code 1 or 2 in block 24) in the Competitive Service (code 1 in block 34). The SF-50 must show the position title, series, grade, and step of your position. If you are claiming reinstatement eligibility, you must submit an SF-50 showing your separation (resignation, termination, etc.). If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is highly recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date.
    • Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. For Public Land Corp eligibility, a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Compliance Hiring Based for Public Land Corps Service is required for verification of eligibility.
    • Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
    • If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
    • Please submit a copy of your most recent, signed and completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 18 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application." Please include incentive awards with your application.


    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.

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