Wildlife Refuge Specialist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Irrigon, ORFull-time$61.7k–$97.1kPosted Jul 15, 2026
This position is a Wildlife Refuge Specialist, GS- 0485-9/11 in Irrigon, OR for the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This position assists the Wildlife Refuge Manager in the development and administration of the operating program and other activities on Umatilla NWR. Refuge operations and programs include wildlife biology, ecology, habitat and natural resource management, visitor services, outreach and education, maintenance, environmental compliance, and volunteer programs. As a Wildlife Refuge Specialist your duties will include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of coordinating, planning, and carrying out various duties involved with the effective and efficient running of Refuge/Wetland Management District biological programs and services. Oversees and reviews land and aquatic conservation activities, habitat development, clean-up, contaminant and restoration projects, research studies, population studies, wildlife inventory, and monitoring activities to include species lifecycle requirements and management. Ensures all projects comply with national, regional, and Refuge/Wetland Management District policies, regulations and mandates. Develops and fosters partnerships with other Federal, state and local agencies, and private organizations to protect lands around the Refuge/Wetland Management District. Participates in the development of required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (or portions thereof) including Environmental Assessments (EAs), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, archeological clearances, and similar actions. Coordinates with the Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the gathering and consolidating of data. Assists with the planning and directing of the Refuge/WMD's comprehensive public relations/public use program - including off-refuge programs, interpretive and educational programs, wildlife dependent recreation (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation), and other recreational management activities - to maximize use of the Refuge/WMD Assists Wildlife Refuge Manager and other senior management in the development of long-range plans, annual work plans, budgets and work schedules. Implements short, medium, and long-range operation plans based on existing or approved plans, and coordinates work schedules for equipment and resources with other Refuge/Wetland Management District within the Refuge Complex. Utilizes engineering and construction techniques as applied to Refuge/WMD infrastructure, training and operation of heavy equipment, reporting requirements (e.g., real property inventories, personal property inventories, SAMMS, annual maintenance, energy reports, etc.), safety rules, and environmental compliance reporting requirements. Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.

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