Wildlife Refuge Specialist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Huron (SD); Remote; USD 62,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Huron Wetland Management District, seeks a Wildlife Refuge Specialist to help develop and administer the operating program and related activities.

Pay varies by grade level; first-time federal hires typically start at the step 1 rate. The role includes applying engineering and construction techniques to Refuge/WMD infrastructure, operating heavy equipment, and supporting long-range planning, budgeting, and scheduling.

Qualifications

• This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit transcripts to support claimed education; unofficial transcripts are acceptable but official transcripts may be required before starting.

Responsibilities

• Utilize engineering and construction techniques for Refuge/WMD infrastructure; training and operation of heavy equipment; assist in reporting requirements.
• Assist Refuge Manager and senior management in developing long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets and work schedules.
• Prepare administrative reports and annual narratives; participate in outreach and educational program design.
• Participate in NEPA documentation and ESA Section 7 consultations; archeological clearances; duties are developmental below the full performance level.
• Travel up to 10 nights per month; obtain a government charge card for travel.

Job description

• Hiring Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Huron Wetland Management District. You will assist in the development and administration of the operating program and other activities. Pay will vary based on grade level for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Utilizing engineering and construction techniques as applied to Refuge/WMD infrastructure, training and operation of heavy equipment, reporting requirements Assisting Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the development of long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets and work schedules.

Preparing administrative reports, annual narrative reports, and other documents associated with wildlife management and administrative programs. Participating in the design of outreach and educational programs for the community.

Participating in the development of required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (or portions thereof) including Environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level. You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 10 nights per month.

You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Requirements & Education

This position has a mandatory education requirement. 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.

For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $61722 - $97087/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-03.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.