Conservation Planner (1624-AK-001)

Conservation Planner (1624-AK-001)
ID:FW1624-AK-001Location:AnchorageProgram:FWS
Wage/Hr:$54.17Hours/Week:58 hrs per pay period - Estimated 1260 total hoursMinimum Age:55

The Fish and Wildlife Service Experienced Services Program was established to create a unique partnership to help solve the workforce issues facing government agencies. The Fish and Wildlife ESP connects experienced workers (age 55+) to the Fish and Wildlife Service to provide scientific, technical, and administrative services in support of the Fish and Wildlife Service priority multiple-use related programs and authorities. The experienced workers participating in the Program are referred to as Enrollee and are not employees of FWS or National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions). NEW Solutions is the ESP Non-governmental organization (NGO) responsible for administrative aspects of the Program, and the Enrollees work under Fish and Wildlife Service direction to assist the Agency staff in carrying out the Fish and Wildlife Service mission. Fish and Wildlife Service ESP Enrollees benefit from the opportunity to keep technical skills current, to access new training opportunities, to engage in gainful project-based positions, and to undertake meaningful tasks using their experience and talent to contribute to the environment, the national economy and their own financial security. Background security investigation may be required prior to start date. Location, hours and hourly pay are noted in this position description. FWS ESP positions are meant to provide temporary, project-based support. This position is currently funded for approximately 1044 hours at 29 hours per week. (this is subject to change based on budget and other factors).

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in a combination of education and experience that included coursework equivalent to a major (i.e. 24 semester/36 quarter hours or school equivalent) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines as shown in A above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education, and in combination is comparable to successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR BA/BS Degree in A degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position

  • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel
Duties:

Environmental Impact Assessments: Plans, evaluates, conducts a wide variety of complex analyses of refuge management, restoration, and Realty projects to determine their effects upon biological, physical, cultural, and socioeconomic resources to ensure that legal standards, regulations, policy, and other requirements are met.

  • Environmental Impact Assessments: Plans, evaluates, conducts a wide variety of complex analyses of refuge management, restoration, and Realty projects to determine their effects upon biological, physical, cultural, and socioeconomic resources to ensure that legal standards, regulations, policy, and other requirements are met. Reviews and/or writes all or portions of environment assessment/impact statements for refuge plans to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on the environment. Provides expert technical guidance, review, and comment on documents, and other support (e.g., participation in public and inter-agency meetings, and some document development) for Realty actions, refuge plans, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, compatibility determinations, mitigation plans, other compliance documents and processes, and permits and approvals. In association with management and development of refuges, provides expert technical guidance regarding compliance with NEPA; public review and comment (including requirements, and advantages and disadvantages of various public involvement methods); and applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.   25%
  • Participates in the development, review, and processing of a variety of permits and other compliance documents for Realty in coordination with refuge and regional office staff, Federal, Tribal, and state agencies; and with other parties as required. Examples include Realty actions; refuge appropriateness findings and compatibility determinations; ESA Section 7 compliance; Coastal Zone Management Act consistency determinations; and refuge wilderness reviews. Ensures that due dates are met and policies are followed. Reviews and edits permits and compliance documents and provides technical information and guidance regarding the compliance process to Realty staff, refuge staff and regional leadership. Submits recommendations to the supervisor on technical and policy matters regarding application of the refuge management and Realty issues. Coordinates with Headquarters staff, Regional Solicitor, and field office staff to ensure that documents have appropriate reviews and follow Service regulations, policy, guidance, and procedures.   25%
  • Management Planning: Leads and coordinates planning actions for Realty projects by incorporating project-level plans for the conservation of NWRS natural resources and development of opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation under a variety of conditions. Leads, develops, coordinates, or reviews plans that may encompass any and all programs that affect Realty actions, refuge fish and/or wildlife and their habitat conditions including, but not limited to, Realty policies, comprehensive conservation plans, natural resources (habitat) management, fire management, visitor services, hunting and fishing management and/or habitat restoration. Leads, coordinates and facilitates planning activities identifying habitat conservation priorities, wildlife population objectives, public use opportunities, land protection, and general operations of NWR. Reviews and comments on reports or environmental documents prepared by environmental consultants to ensure they meet legal, policy, and contract requirements. Develops, directs, and ensures completion of program objectives and associated documentation on a continuing basis in accordance with established program directives. Conducts on-going analysis of programs and analyzes results of special studies or investigations. Drafts or prepares reports with recommendations for changes, elimination, or improvement of operations and program plans. Gathers, organizes, and interprets biological, ecological, socioeconomic, public use, or other pertinent information to ensure management and project plans are current and accurate. Supports the implementation of management plans, studies and investigations required for species propagation/production, resource protection, ecological factors, public information, and other aspects of natural resource management.   25%
  • Communication/Representation/Liaison: Maintains contact and communication with Realty and refuge staff throughout the Regional leadership and with other agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) that are stakeholders in refuge planning processes. Provides technical guidance to refuge staff on refuge planning regulations, policies, and procedures. May represent the Service at external meetings pertaining to natural resources planning. Provides expert technical planning assistance and regulatory information to other Service Programs and agencies (Federal, Tribal, and state) to properly satisfy requirements of the ESA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other Federal and state legislation/regulations. Coordinates and writes briefing materials and provides needed briefings for the Realty Officer, Regional Refuge Chief and others in the Regional Office, other agencies, and the public. Reviews new or proposed legislation or policy and provides comments on their impact on refuge natural resource management. Responds to written, telephone, and in-person inquiries from the public and the news media, obtaining and providing requested information within established guidelines of the office and in conformance with Service and Departmental policy.   25%

Other:
  • Physical requirements: Administrative
  • Remote work arrangements are available for this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.