Natural Resource Specialist

Bureau of Reclamation; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bureau of Reclamation seeks a Natural Resources Specialist to advance environmental compliance and resource management in the Western United States. This professional will apply environmental laws, NEPA documentation, and related regulations to support water resources and public land projects.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field or higher, with specialized experience and graduate study options. Volunteer experience is eligible for credit. Closing date is 10/06/2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or related field.
• Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in relevant fields plus related experience.
• Specialized experience at GS-9 level including NEPA documentation such as CE checklists, EA, or EIS.
• Education beyond 3 years of graduate study leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent related to the work.

Skills

Environmental regulations

NEPA documentation

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences / related field

Graduate study leading to Ph.D. or equivalent in related field

Job description

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Natural Resources Specialist. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Shape the future of public lands and infrastructure.

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

In addition to the above individual occupational requirement (IOR), to qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level you must meet one of the following qualification requirements:

• Degree: Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or another closely related field appropriate to this position. You must submit transcripts with your application.

-OR-

• Combination of education and experience: Possess a combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or another closely related field appropriate to this position, along with appropriate experience. You must submit transcripts with your application and your resume must reflect your related experience.

Specialized Experience Requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience applying environmental laws, regulations, and policies to support natural resource management and environmental compliance. One year at the GS-9 level preparing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (such as categorical exclusion checklists, environmental assessments, or environmental impact statements) is required. Must also demonstrate experience with two of the following:

• conducting environmental compliance activities related to Federal environmental laws;
• planning and conducting field studies, inventories, surveys, or site inspections;
• collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental or biological data;
• reviewing environmental documents, plans, or project activities for compliance with applicable laws and regulations; or
• providing technical recommendations or guidance to support project planning, design, construction, or operations

-OR-

Education:

Successfully completed at least three full years (54 semester hours) of graduate level education leading to a Ph. D or equivalent that is directly related to the work of this position. You must submit copies of your transcripts with your application.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience

To qualify based on a combination of education and experience, you must have successfully completed graduate education beyond the second full year (36 semester hours or equivalent) that is directly related to the work of this position, and possess qualifying specialized experience. To calculate your qualifications, divide your total qualifying graduate semester hours in excess of 36 semester hours by 18 semester hours. Then divide your total months of qualifying specialized experience by 12 months. Add the two percentages together. The combined total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must submit copies of your transcripts with your application. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Volunteer 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.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/06/2026