Natural Resources Management Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoW Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as Park Ranger responsible for planning and implementation of a variety of program areas involving administration, resource management, and visitor services.
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Duties
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• Participate in the development of various planning documents, including Master Plans and Operational Management Plans (OMP), for management of the project's man-made and natural resources.
• Participate in conservation, preservation, restoration and use of project natural and cultural resources.
• Assist with the coordination of planning and execution of activities related to numerous programs, to include forestry, fisheries, wildlife, shoreline stabilization, boundary surveillance, water quality, historic properties protection.
• Assist in developing and implementing specific land use plans for the project; apply financial management systems, such as CEFMS, P2, and related electronic programs and business functions.
• Review plans proposed by others on government land and provides recommendations for modifications.
• Patrol and inspection of project sites, recreation areas, and public use facilities by vehicle, boat, or foot, for safe and usable conditions in accordance with Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must possess valid State motor vehicle and Corps boat operator's licenses.
• This position is covered by the civilian drug abuse testing program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R, Condition of Employment for certain civilian positions identified as critical under the Drug Abuse Testing Program.

Qualifications
Management may select at the GS-05, GS-07, or GS-09 grade level. Full performance level of this position is GS-09.
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Education Requirement for Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger): Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.In addition to meeting the basic education requirement above to qualify for this position, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
To qualify at the GS-05 grade level, you must have: Applicants who have a bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position are fully qualified for the GS-05 grade level.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience applying basic knowledge of biological practices, principles and techniques in a natural resource management environment, or additional education.
Specialized Experience at the GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience which includes experience utilizing basic biological practices, principles and techniques sufficient to assist in the recommendations of planning and implanting environmental, recreational and natural resources management activities at a water resources project. Typical experience could include assisting higher level employees in the planning and/or implementation of environmental, recreational and/or natural resource management activities. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).OR
Education: 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 biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines. OR
Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above.
Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either; (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum;O R(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Specialized Experience at the GS-09 grade level: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in natural resource management and related laws, policies and regulations as it pertains to biodiversity, threatened and endangered species, wetland protection, and/or cultural resources. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Education
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a Career Program (51) position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
• Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized subject to agency determination that it is in the best interest of the governmentA Service Agreement must be signed.
• Pay will be set based on duty location and grade level. Visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/ for the current GS Locality Pay Tables.

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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
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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.
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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.