Range Technician (Seasonal)

U.S. Department of the Interior; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of the Interior is seeking a Range Technician (Seasonal) to support the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford, KS.

Entry on Duty is anticipated in January 2027, with scheduling variability due to weather, project needs, or funding. Key duties include data collection for rangeland programs, plan and map preparation, monitoring range conditions, and handling permits and grazing transfers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of routine natural resource management practices and related regulations.
• Understanding of plant identification and removal methods.
• Skill and/or ability to safely mix, handle, and apply pesticides used in plant eradication.
• Knowledge of database management, word processing, and GPS data handling.

Responsibilities

• Collects information from records or field to develop and revise rangeland programs.
• Prepares data tables, graphics, and maps for plans.
• Monitors allotments to determine range condition and maintenance needs.
• Performs range administration tasks like grazing transfers and permit renewals.
• Assists in on-the-ground projects such as water systems, fencing, and weed control.
• Uses instruments like engineer's level, transit, and GPS to locate conservation project markers.

Skills

Resource management

Plant identification methods

Pesticide handling

GPS data handling

Tools

GPS device

Job description

Summary

You will serve as a Range Technician (Seasonal) working in Stafford, KS for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Anticipated Entry on Duty: Janurary 2027. but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Major Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Collects information from records or in the field that will be used in development and revision of rangeland programs. Prepares portions of plans such as data tables, graphic representations, and maps. Monitors ground conditions of allotments to determine compliance, range condition, and required maintenance. Performs administrative work associated with range administration such as grazing transfers and permit leases, renewals, and applications. Participates in on-the-ground projects such as construction of water systems and fencing, installation of cattle guards, planting or seeding of vegetation, and noxious weed control. Utilizes instruments needed to take measurements necessary in locating conservation projects in relation to established markers including an engineer's level or transit and a GPS device.

Education

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit Home | E-Verify Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.

Evaluations

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be lowered and/or adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following categories: Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position. Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job. You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Knowledge of routine natural resource management practices, methods and basic knowledge of related regulations. Understanding of plant identification and removal methods. Skill and/or ability to safely mix, handle, and apply a variety of pesticides used in plant eradication. Knowledge of database management, word processing, and specialized software programs essential to use GPS units and download GPS files and other field data. Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

Other Information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at step 1 rate. Temporary Appointment: This is a temporary seasonal appointment not to exceed 1039 hours. The appointment is expected to end upon completion of the season's work. Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: As a temporary seasonal employee, you can be rehired in future seasons without reapplying, as long as you do not exceed 1,039 hours anywhere in the USFWS during your service year. Rehire eligibility applies to the same position or to another position with the same qualification requirements as long as it is a temporary seasonal appointment. Your service year is the 12 months that begin on the date of your first temporary appointment with the bureau, and it starts over on that date each year. Every temporary appointment you hold with the bureau during a service year counts toward the total. Once you reach 1,040 hours, this eligibility ends unless OPM approves an exception. These rules come from 5CFR 316.402[b][7]. Already reached the limit this service year? Don't worry. You are still welcome to apply to this announcement or any future one. Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations. All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.