Federal
Land Management Law Enforcement Officer
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Department of the Interior
About This Position
This position is a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer, GL- 1801-7 working for Division of Refuge Law enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 03/03/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GL-7] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS/GL-5 in the Federal service. Experience may include:1) investigating criminal activity related to natural resources or wildlife violations 2) preparing investigative case reports and conducting record searches related to natural resources or wildlife enforcement; and 3) issuing warnings or traffic citations in support of natural resource or wildlife law enforcement activities. OR Completed one full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: 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 closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. OR A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement. OR Superior Academic Achievement: bachelor's degree with a major field of 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 closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Superior academic achievement is defined as one of the following: 1) rank in the upper 1/3 of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; 2) earned election to a national scholastic honor society; 3) earned a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all completed undergraduate courses; 4) earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all undergraduate classes completed during the final 2 years; 5) earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all completed undergraduate courses in a major field of study; or 6) earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of all undergraduate courses in a major field of study completed during the final 2 years. To verify your claim for this provision, please submit a college transcript(s) showing that you maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for all 4 years of undergraduate courses, or, on all undergraduate courses completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum, including all transferred courses. 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. 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. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help 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 Positions that require the use of a Firearm: 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. Probation/Trial Period Con't: The [probationary or trial] 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 or trial 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 or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your [probationary period -OR- trial period] your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Major Duties
As a Land Management Law Enforcement Officer your duties will include, but are 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 refuge 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.
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)
How You Will Be Evaluated
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and your responses to the USA Hire assessment, which is required for this position. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Knowledge of the rules of evidence and methods used to maintain the evidence chain of custody and of the elements needed to establish probable cause and reasonable suspicion sufficient to conduct searches and make arrests and seizures under the various laws and regulations enforced. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, relevant court decisions that relate to the management of public lands and their natural, cultural, and human resources. Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques sufficient to perform investigations, identify methods and patterns of criminal operations, use available sources of information, interviewing and interrogation techniques. Ability to communicate orally with a variety of audiences including agency employees, the public, and other agencies. Ability to communicate in writing with a variety of audiences including agency employees, the public, and other agencies. 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. In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. The category ratings for this position are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
Additional Information
Duty Station Location: The duty station will be located at a FWS Refuge Office, within the respective identified state. The salary will be based upon duty station and locality pay once selected. Locality tables may be found at: www.opm.gov/special-rates/Index.aspx. Additional questions regarding placement should be reserved for the interview process. Conditions of Employment: Drug Testing Designated Position: All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Medical Requirements: You must pass a pre-employment medical examination. Also, you may be subject to post-employment medical examinations and psychological screening to determine if you are maintaining the fitness standards for this position. Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license in order to operates motor vehicles, or special purpose law enforcement vehicles of various types including four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and small watercraft. Required to obtain and wear an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform. Required to submit an OF-178, Certificate of Medical Examination, if the form is not already on file. Required to accept, maintain, and exercise law enforcement authority. Must be certified in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid or emergency medical services (EMS). Must qualify with and maintain (annual/semiannual) firearms qualification and must safely utilize firearms, nonlethal weapons, and defensive tactics in the conduct of daily activities. This position sensitivity level has been designated as non-critical sensitive. The selectee must maintain favorable background investigation. Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorized the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9). Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. 37th Birthday: The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37, unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian law enforcement (or firefighter, if applicable) experience, or you 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. 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). PCS Information: No PCS entitlements authorized. Incentives: If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. Telework: This position is not suitable for telework.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. The application process is as follows: 1. Click the Apply Online button. 2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. 3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. 4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. 5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. 6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. 7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. 8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Required Documents
You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education. Required Documents: 1. Resume: You may only submit one resume. Only the resume submitted under the "Resume" "Document Type" will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating purposes. Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Do not include the following types of information in your resume: Classified or government sensitive information Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Additional Documentation, if applicable: 1. Cover Letter 2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above. 3. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. 4. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases. 5. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected. Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Land Management Law Enforcement Officer position at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
The salary range for this position is $58,771 - $74,330/yr. This is a GL-7 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Land Management Law Enforcement Officer job located?
This position is located in Stevensville, Montana. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Only experience and education obtained by 03/03/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GL-7] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS/GL-5 in the Federal service. Experience may include:1) investigati...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 3, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GL-7 mean?
GL-7 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.