Conservation Planner

Role Overview

The Conservation Planner is responsible for performing comprehensive analyses of refuge management and restoration projects, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, policies, and regulations. This role involves drafting and reviewing environmental assessments and impact statements, providing technical guidance on refuge plans and related documents, and coordinating the development of conservation and recreation strategies within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct complex evaluations of refuge projects to assess impacts on biological, physical, cultural, and socioeconomic resources while ensuring adherence to legal and policy requirements.
• Prepare, review, and contribute to environmental assessment and impact statements for refuge planning initiatives to determine environmental consequences.
• Offer expert consultation and participate in inter-agency and public meetings to support refuge planning, policy compliance, permit processing, and approvals.
• Lead coordination of permits and compliance documentation in collaboration with refuge staff, federal, tribal, and state agencies.
• Manage the creation and review of comprehensive and project-level plans aimed at conserving refuge natural resources and promoting wildlife-focused recreation.
• Oversee planning efforts addressing diverse programs affecting fish, wildlife, and their habitats, including habitat management, fire management, visitor services, and restoration activities.
• Assess environmental consultant reports and documents to ensure alignment with legal, contractual, and policy guidelines.
• Collect and analyze relevant biological, ecological, socioeconomic, and public use data to keep management and project plans current and accurate.
• Support implementation of studies related to species propagation, resource protection, ecological factors, and public education efforts associated with natural resource management.

Basic Requirements and Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals and meet suitability and time-in-grade criteria. A valid driver’s license is required due to travel needs. A probationary or trial period of one to two years will assess the candidate’s performance and fit within the agency.

To qualify, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling 100% of qualification requirements.

GS-11 Level Minimum: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, including leading planning teams, developing wildlife management plans, preparing environmental documents, and applying environmental laws and policies.

GS-12 Level Minimum: One year of experience equivalent to GS-11, including coordinating large regional partnerships, applying multi-scale conservation policies, directing interagency programs, and engaging in ecosystem-focused science collaboration.

Additional Information

• No permanent change of station (PCS) entitlements or discretionary allowances authorized.
• This position is telework-eligible with supervisory approval.
• Multiple positions may be filled within the local commuting area.
• Applicants eligible under career transition assistance plans receive selection preference if qualified.
• Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities.

Education Verification

Applicants using education to qualify must submit official or unofficial transcripts including course details. Graduate study is counted as 18 semester hours per full academic year. Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized credentialing organization.