Federal
Supervisory Staff Law Enforcement Ranger
Bureau of Land Management · Department of the Interior
About This Position
Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our most precious resource. Two locations offered: Information about Billings, Montana and the surrounding area can be found at Billings Field Office | Bureau of Land Management Information about Miles City and the surrounding area can be found at Miles City Field Office | Bureau of Land Management.
Qualifications
This position is concurrently open to all U. S. Citizens under Announcement Number BLM-MT-DE-26-12880985-TDS We expect to fill 1 vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. Successfully completed the Land Management Training Program (LMTP) You must submit a copy of the training completion certificate or equivalent documentation. Driver's License. One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal Service and be a current law enforcement officer. To qualify for GS-12, you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Work performed investigating violations of laws and regulations on BLM managed public lands; Preparing investigative case files according to standard operating procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements; Reviewing law enforcement regulations, policies or procedures to recommend improvements or clarifications; Knowledgeable of regulations and policies related to BLM managed public lands. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level. The maximum entry-age for this position shall not exceed age 37 unless you have sufficient prior Federal civilian LEO experience or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application will result in loss of eligibility to receive a waiver of the maximum entry age requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims. This is a SECONDARY/Administrative law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age (MEA) policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION. Firearm Requirement: This position authorizes you 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.5.C., Section 922(g)(9)]. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term "convicted", as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not qualified for this position. Applicants under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. Must successfully complete 40 hours of in-service training annually. Must maintain a delegation of law enforcement authority.All Law Enforcement Rangers who are new to the BLM are required to complete the introduction to Resource Protection Training Program within their first two years of assignment. Successful completion of the BLM's Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) must occur within one year of receiving delegation of law enforcement authority. Failure to complete the FTEP will result in the loss of law enforcement delegation and/or termination of employment.
Major Duties
Directs and supervises Law Enforcement Rangers, providing leadership, performance management, training oversight, discipline, and ensuring compliance with merit principles, EEO, safety, and ethics requirements.
Manages the Law Enforcement Ranger Program to enforce federal laws, deter unauthorized use, protect public lands and resources, and ensure alignment with national, state, and local BLM policies.
Develops, analyzes, and implements strategies to prevent and reduce criminal activity and unauthorized use through data analysis, staffing plans, enforcement tactics, regulations, and facility improvements.
Integrates law enforcement with BLM resource programs and partners with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to coordinate investigations, share resources, and enhance public safety and resource protection.
Plans, budgets, and evaluates law enforcement operations, including annual work plans, staffing, equipment, agreements, and funding allocations, while advising leadership on policy, risk, and program performance.
Enforces federal and applicable state laws by conducting investigations, apprehensions, court proceedings, and special operations, maintaining operational readiness and serving as lead or incident commander when required.
Manages the Law Enforcement Ranger Program to enforce federal laws, deter unauthorized use, protect public lands and resources, and ensure alignment with national, state, and local BLM policies.
Develops, analyzes, and implements strategies to prevent and reduce criminal activity and unauthorized use through data analysis, staffing plans, enforcement tactics, regulations, and facility improvements.
Integrates law enforcement with BLM resource programs and partners with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies to coordinate investigations, share resources, and enhance public safety and resource protection.
Plans, budgets, and evaluates law enforcement operations, including annual work plans, staffing, equipment, agreements, and funding allocations, while advising leadership on policy, risk, and program performance.
Enforces federal and applicable state laws by conducting investigations, apprehensions, court proceedings, and special operations, maintaining operational readiness and serving as lead or incident commander when required.
Education
This position falls under the General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance Series, 1801.There are no Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for this series. There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level. Physical Demands: The work is primarily office oriented in nature, but requires frequent travel to any part of the United States for meetings, law enforcement operations, investigations or other program activities. He/she may be required to put in long hours beyond the normal tour of duty. Many of these operations and investigations occur in remote areas of the Public Lands in the western States. These remote areas are in high mountains, some over 10,000 feet altitude, desert and wooded areas, canyons, and other types of rough terrain. The incumbent will travel by aircraft, motor vehicle, all terrain vehicle, horseback, and on foot to remote locations. He/she may be required to remain in these remote areas for long periods to complete the activity/investigation. The work requires considerable strenuous physical exertion, e.g., long periods of standing, crawling, walking and running over rough, uneven, rocky surfaces and through wooded or brush areas, performing these activities day or night. The incumbent may be required to respond immediately from a sedentary activity to an extremely arduous activity The incumbent must be able to safely utilize firearms, less-lethal weapons, and defensive tactics in the conduct of daily activities, and must be prepared at all times, to defend him/her-self and others against physical and armed attack, including the use of physical violence or deadly force. The duties of this position are so rigorous that a physical examination is required to ensure that the employee assigned can perform the duties without physical injury to self or others. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting and outdoors with exposure to hazardous and environmentally adverse conditions. Many investigations occur in isolated areas of the public lands. The remote areas are in, high mountains as well as desert areas, canyons, and other types of rough terrain. This type of work involves potentially high risks with personal exposure to dangerous situations, including possible physical attack or other uncontrollable conditions. The incumbent is regularly exposed to temperature and weather extremes, and will travel on foot or specialty vehicles, e.g., four-wheel drive, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles, aircraft, or horseback to these remote locations to gather evidence and to arrest violators.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine you eligibility/ qualifications. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview. Evaluation utilizing the following competencies bullets: Criminal Investigation Managing Human Resources Oral Communication Planning and Evaluating Writing In the evaluation process, due weight will be given to job related experience, education, training, incentive awards and performance appraisals. Applicants must have a performance rating of at least the equivalent of fully successful to be eligible for promotion or placement. Applicants may provide a copy of a performance appraisal of record dated within the last 18 months. If the applicant is unable to provide a performance appraisal of record dated within the last 18 months, the applicant may provide a written explanation as to why. In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the following additional assessment: Subject Matter Expert Resume Panel Review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.
Additional Information
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit E-Verify. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): 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, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information: CTAP or ICTAP Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service Travel and relocation expenses will be paid consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302, and Departmental policy. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. See "Other" section for additional information on 2017 Tax Cuts as related to PCS. Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. 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. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment. The probationary/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 or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. This position is not eligible for Telework.
How to Apply
THIS IS AN ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS THROUGH USAJOBS. Your application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by 02/26/2026. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the HR Office at, [email protected]. If applying on-line poses a hardship for you (i.e. you do not have access to the Internet) you must contact us prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying. PLEASE NOTE: If you have access to a public library, State Job Service Office, etc., you should use these resources to apply online. You must follow the steps described below to complete the application process: YOU MUST HAVE OR CREATE A PROFILE IN USAJOBS. Your profile must contain a current resume for submission. See Required Documents section for what to include in your resume. INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING. The USAJOBS Resume Builder was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is an available tool when you login to your USAJOBS account. Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you selected. You must provide proof of your eligibility to be considered. You must submit a resume and also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. The eligibility portion of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this announcement. You may choose more than one eligibility. You must provide proof of your eligibility and will only be considered for the questions that you answer "yes". Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibility in this section. To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12880158 To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (Welcome | Login.gov), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. FOLLOW UP. Check your application status before the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to ensure that a complete application (including a resume, on-line questionnaire, and applicable supplemental documentation) is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 02/26/2026. NOTE: Technical problems may take at least 1 business day to resolve; therefore, you are highly encouraged to complete the application process prior to the closing date.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). Failure to provide required information will result in loss of eligibility. You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter. Transcripts: If using education to qualify, submit a copy of ALL your college transcripts or a list of ALL college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. Upon selection, official transcripts must be received prior to appointment. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your 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. Current and former federal career and career-conditional employees: Submit a copy of your most recent (non award) SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or equivalent document that verifies tenure (block 24, code 1 or 2) and Competitive Status (block 34, code 1). Applicants eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act as a current or former employee of a land management agency, who is serving or previously served on a temporary or term appointments, you must submit the following documentation to receive consideration: SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action, that documents your service under competitive examining procedures in time limited appointments that totals 24 months at land management agencies without a break in service of two or more years (initial, extension, and termination of all appointments); and Documentation of satisfactory performance, if available, such as performance evaluations, references by supervisors, or other documents, e.g., memorandums of record, whereas the supervisor documented an acceptable performance level. Applicants eligible under a Special Hiring Authority for Veterans, you must submit proof that supports your claim. This may include: A legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference or that shows length of service, AND that your character of military service is honorable. If you have a service-connected disability, a copy of your Veterans Affairs (VA) letter indicating the combined percentage rating of your disability. Required Documents as indicated on page 2 of the SF-15 to support your claim. NOTE: The SF-15 alone cannot be used to verify eligibility. Special Hiring Authorities: If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles: Submit documentation verifying your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility - this includes a copy of the agency notice and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location. Please note that documents selected for transfer from your USAJOBS profile are NOT automatically added to your application. You need to transfer your document(s) in the "Documents" step during the application process.Hard copy paper supplemental documents, submitted without prior Human Resources approval, will be considered as an incomplete application.Required documentation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Supervisory Staff Law Enforcement Ranger position at Bureau of Land Management?
The salary range for this position is $89,508 - $116,362/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory Staff Law Enforcement Ranger job located?
This position is located in Billings, Montana. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
This position is concurrently open to all U. S. Citizens under Announcement Number BLM-MT-DE-26-12880985-TDS We expect to fill 1 vacancy at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements desc...
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 Feb 26, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-12 mean?
GS-12 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.