Lead Natural Resources Specialist, GS-0401-12 (06827)

Lead Natural Resources Specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, based in Omaha, Nebraska. The specialist is responsible for managing fish and wildlife mitigation lands and recreation areas across parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, including 14 flood risk mitigation reservoir projects and lands under the Missouri River Recovery Program (MRRP). The position combines high-level resource planning and environmental compliance with hands-on operational management and team leadership to protect and manage public lands and natural resources effectively.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Resource Management:
The specialist leads complex natural resource management programs, including soil conservation, fire protection, pollution abatement, and cultural resource protection. A primary function is the conservation of fish and wildlife, which involves overseeing land management plans, establishing wildlife habitats, and controlling soil erosion. They serve as the principal manager for the operational and management plans for ten Salt Creek Lakes, four Papillion Creek Lakes, and 237 miles of the Missouri River. This role demands close collaboration with state agencies like the Iowa DNR and Nebraska Game and Parks, as well as various Natural Resource Districts and local governments, to ensure the optimal and compliant use of natural resources. Responsibilities also include managing permits, licenses, and land use agreements, conducting compliance inspections, and resolving conflicts or non-compliance issues.
2. Operations and Maintenance:
The position involves managing the maintenance of Missouri River mitigation projects, including infrastructure like dikes, pumping stations, and buildings. The specialist develops scopes of work and cost estimates for maintenance contracts, conducts project inspections, and provides technical advice to local partners. They also serve as the initial contact for the public regarding regulatory programs (such as Section 408 and 404 permits), investigate violations, and manage their resolution.
3. Team Coordination and Leadership:
As the Natural Resources Section Coordinator, the specialist mentors and leads staff. This includes distributing workloads, coaching team members on problem-solving, arranging training, and monitoring work progress to ensure quality and timeliness. They act as a facilitator and team representative in dealings with management, securing resources, and communicating team findings. The role also involves assessing team effectiveness, improving work processes, and overseeing team safety protocols and equipment compliance.

This job opportunity is open to CURRENT, PERMANENT USACE EMPLOYEES ONLY.

WHO MAY APPLY: This opportunity is being announced through the USACE Voluntary Internal Opportunities Program (VIOP). Current, permanent USACE employees with noncompetitive eligibility to be placed in this position are eligible to apply. This Program may only be utilized for noncompetitive placements, to include voluntary reassignments, promotions not-to-exceed 120 days, voluntary changes to lower grade, repromotion to a grade previously held on a permanent basis, details, and deployment opportunities. Employees interested in permanent or temporary promotions longer than 120 days must apply through USAJOBS, or other approved merit procedures or hiring authorities. Temporary or term employees and Department of Army Fellows assigned to USACE will not be considered for positions or assignments through VIOP.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree with a Physical Science background

Minimum Experience Requirement: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience with an emphasis in natural resources management or similar.

Other Requirements, Conditions of Employment and information:

• How to Apply: Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration. Click the apply button, follow the prompts (fill out the required collect form, attach a resume following the resume format guidance).
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation).
• 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/.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• This position may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.