Land Management Law Enforcement Officer

Summary This position is a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer, GL-1801-5/7, working in Boqueron, Puerto Rico, Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn more about this agency Duties This is a developmental position leading to the GS-11 full-performance level. As the incumbent progresses, duties will increase in complexity. At the full-performance level, a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer performs duties including, but not limited to, the following: Detect, investigate, apprehend, detain, arrest, and/or issue citations and file criminal complaints; and prosecute violators of a variety of law enforcement acts, laws, rules, and regulations that have been enacted to ensure the protection and safe use of national wildlife refuges resources. Investigate the occurrence of theft or disturbance of archeological resources, illegal harvesting of plants and animals, traffic violations, marijuana cultivation, use or sale of illegal drugs, crimes against persons or property and trespassing. Investigate violation of applicable Federal and State fish and wildlife laws including poaching, illegal hunting of waterfowl, illegal use of aircraft for hunting migratory waterfowl and commercial fishing. Enforce applicable laws and regulations concerning the possession, use, distribution, trafficking, cultivation, and manufacture of controlled substances on Service managed lands Prepare investigations or case reports by documenting findings and facts, obtaining witness statements and copies of official records, and including pertinent evidence, correspondence, maps, historical information, exhibits, and photographs. Promotion Potential: Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. Selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation Drug Testing Position: Selectees tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Medical Requirements: Selectees must pass a pre-employment medical examination and may be subject to post-employment medical examinations to determine if they are maintaining the fitness standards for this position. Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position. Firearm: Selectees will be required to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. Applicants are ineligible for this position if ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant receives a pardon. Uniform: Official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform is required. A condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: This position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement, and you will be required to complete either OGE Form 278e or OGE Form 450 as applicable within 30 days of your appointment Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov. Qualifications Only experience and education obtained by 04/14/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualifications GL-05: 1. Three (3) years of progressively responsible general experience, one of which is equivalent to at least the GS/GL-04 in the Federal Service. Examples of work may include: 1) assisting with investigations of criminal activity (such as crimes against persons, theft, property damage, or trespassing); 2) assisting in the preparation of investigative reports; and 3) assisting in the collection and seizure of evidence. -OR- 2. Successful completion of a four (4)-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree or possession of a bachelor's degree with major study in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other fields directly related to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. -OR- 3. Successful completion of a combination of undergraduate education and general experience, as described above, that together demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work. Education and experience are creditable in proportion to the requirements, and the total must equal 100% of the qualification requirements. Only education beyond the first two (2) years of post-secondary study is creditable toward this combination. Minimum Qualifications GL-07: 1. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS/GL-05 in the Federal service. Examples may include: 1) investigating criminal activity pertaining to violence against a person, theft, destruction of property, or trespassing; 2) preparing investigative case reports and reviewing or searching records; and 3) issuing warnings or citations for violations of law, regulation, or traffic requirements. -OR- 2. Successful completion of one (1) full year of graduate-level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. Acceptable fields include, but are not limited to: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other fields directly related to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. -OR- 3. Successful completion of a combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience, as described above, may be used to meet the total qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the bachelor's degree is creditable, and when combined with specialized experience, the total must equal 100% of the qualification requirements. -OR- 4. Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): A bachelor's degree in a qualifying major as described above AND evidence of SAA based on one of the following: 1) Ranking in the upper one-third (1/3) of the graduating class; 2) Election to a recognized national scholastic honor society; 3) A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate coursework; 4) A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for coursework completed during the final two (2) years of the bachelor's program; 5) A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on all completed coursework in the major field of study; or 6) A GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major field of study during the final two (2) years of the bachelor's program. To verify SAA, applicants must submit transcripts that clearly show how GPA was calculated. 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. Probationary Period:The probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position., and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. Education PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov) Additional information PCS Information: Yes, entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. -In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale. Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. Additional Vacancies:One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA):In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a 2.49% COLA: Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances. This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease. Conditions of Employment: Testing Designated Position: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to undergo urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Medical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment medical examination. May be subject to post-employment medical examinations and psychological screening to ensure continued compliance with fitness standards for this position. Required to submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if one is not already on file. Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate motor vehicles, or special-purpose law enforcement vehicles, including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft. Uniform: Required to obtain and wear an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform. Law Enforcement Authority: Must accept, maintain, and exercise law enforcement authority. Certifications: Must be certified in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid or emergency medical services (EMS). Position Sensitivity: This position is designated as non-critical sensitive. The selectee must maintain a favorable background investigation. Firearms and Defensive Tactics: Must qualify and maintain annual/semiannual firearms certification and safely utilize firearms, nonlethal weapons, and defensive tactics in daily activities. Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Under Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9), individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify they have ever been convicted of such an offense. Age Requirement: The maximum entry-age for this position is 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or are a preference-eligible veteran. Law Enforcement Retirement: The incumbent of this position performs primary law enforcement work and is eligible for coverage under the law enforcement retirement provisions of Title 5. U.S.C. Part 841 or 842. Training: Must successfully complete Land Management Police Training Program (FLTEC) or equivalent, Federal Wildlife Officer Basic Training (FWOBT), and Field Training and Evaluation Program (FWS-FTEP). Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.