Wildlife Refuge Management
GS-0485
Position Overview
Wildlife refuge specialists and managers direct or operate Federally-owned or managed lands and waters designated as national wildlife refuges. This work involves establishing, conserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing wildlife species and their required habitat, and conserving and managing fishery and wildlife resources.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate possesses knowledge of a wide variety of theories, principles, and concepts of wildlife and aquatic biology and management and other related disciplines as well as applicable policies, laws, and regulations related to wildlife and environmental management. This individual can apply this knowledge with diplomacy and strong communication skills with many varying stakeholders. This individual is also well-organized and can efficiently set plans and priorities and manage budgets and resources.
Work Environment
Work is performed both indoors in an office setting and outdoors in the field. Field work may involve exposure to insects and large animals or adverse weather conditions.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Collects field data and makes observations
- Prepares charts and graphs
- Assists in preparing and reviewing reports
Mid:
- Conducts data analysis and literature research
- Plans approach and collects data for investigations
- Drafts brochures, interpretive panels, exhibits, and other visitor informational resources
- Provides input on recommendations for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans
Journey:
- Reviews and approves land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat creation, restoration, and contaminant projects
- Conducts species monitoring activities
- Plans and manages land use programs
- Reviews programs and projects to ensure compliance with natural resources laws, rules, and regulations
Senior:
- Coordinates with state, local, and other Federal agencies and special interest groups
- Formulates long-range plans and strategies
- Participates in resource and visitor use planning efforts
- Oversees fish and wildlife public relations activities
- Ensures that public uses are authorized and prevent adverse impact on wildlife species, habitats, and national historic sites
Strengths by Level
Entry
5-7
Mid
9-11
Journey
12-13
Senior
14-15
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ComplianceKnowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Creative ThinkingUses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Customer ServiceWorks with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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EntrepreneurshipPositions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Influencing/NegotiatingPersuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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PartneringDevelops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
40.2%
Wildlife Biology
See Position Details
31.4%
Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences
See Position Details
4.9%
Fish and Wildlife Administration
See Position DetailsLess Common Pathways (<2%)
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- 0340 - Program Management
- 0343 - Management and Program Analysis
- 0460 - Forestry
- 0462 - Forestry Technician
- 0482 - Fish Biology
- 1750 - Instructional Systems
- 5048 - Animal Caretaking
Where We Are
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