Environmental Protection Specialist (Direct Hire)
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Picayune, MS, United States
Summary
As a Natural Resources Manager, you will develop and implement natural resource management plans, ensure compliance with environmental laws, oversee field surveys and ecological monitoring, manage conservation projects and contractor performance, serve as a liaison with regulatory and community partners, and support long‑range environmental planning to sustain the organization's natural systems.
Duties
Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
Lead the development and implementation of natural resource management plans for forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and other ecological assets; oversee conservation, restoration, and mitigation projects to ensure long‑term sustainability.
Independently interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations; prepare complete environmental permit applications; coordinate directly with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.
Design and direct field surveys, habitat assessments, species monitoring, and natural resource inventories; ensure scientific integrity, data quality, and safe field operations.
Manage natural resource programs, performance metrics, and project execution; oversee contractors, consultants, and interdisciplinary teams; prepare high‑quality reports, presentations, and regulatory documentation.
Serve as a technical liaison with government agencies, community groups, landowners, and partner organizations; communicate complex ecological issues clearly to non‑technical audiences.
Contribute to long‑range planning and environmental strategy by evaluating natural resource conditions, identifying risks, and recommending management actions.
Requirements
This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
This position may require a one‑year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. See Additional Information section.
You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Position subject to pre‑employment background investigation.
If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
Qualifications Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
To qualify for GS‑09 level, you must have:
One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 level.
Gathering data, preparing draft documentation, or coordinating basic field activities to assist with the development of natural resource management plans or support conservation or restoration projects.
Participating in field surveys, habitat assessments, species monitoring, or ecological inventories under the guidance of a senior specialist, and performing data entry, quality checks, or preparing portions of technical reports or presentations.
Applying environmental regulations to assist with permit documentation, communicating routine information to staff or partners, or contributing research for planning purposes.
Completed all requirements for a master’s or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field.
Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field.
LL.B or JD, if related.
Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above.
To qualify for GS‑11
One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 level.
Preparing environmental documentation, supporting permitting processes, or coordinating with the regulatory agency to support the development of natural resource plans or to recommend conservation or restoration actions.
Planning or coordinating field surveys, habitat assessments, or species monitoring to validate ecological data and prepare reports, briefings, or presentations to inform leadership or stakeholders.
Analyzing natural resource trends and identifying emerging management needs to support long‑range planning efforts.
Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.
Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree.
LL.M., if related.
Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above.
To qualify for GS‑12
One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑11 level.
Developing or implementing natural resource plans or interpreting and applying federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and coordinating with regulatory agencies to prepare permit applications.
Designing or conducting field surveys, ecological assessments, or species monitoring to manage natural resource projects, program metrics, or the work of contractors, consultants or interdisciplinary teams.
Preparing technical reports, briefings, or regulatory documentation for leadership, stakeholders, or external agencies to provide technical input on natural resource issues.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI‑assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
Education Basic Requirement: If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a college or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be 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/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.
Additional Information Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.
If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:
Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position.
Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'.
For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.
Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.
Probationary/Trial Period You may be required to serve a one‑year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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 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.
Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits.
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.
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Duties
Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.
Lead the development and implementation of natural resource management plans for forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and other ecological assets; oversee conservation, restoration, and mitigation projects to ensure long‑term sustainability.
Independently interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations; prepare complete environmental permit applications; coordinate directly with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.
Design and direct field surveys, habitat assessments, species monitoring, and natural resource inventories; ensure scientific integrity, data quality, and safe field operations.
Manage natural resource programs, performance metrics, and project execution; oversee contractors, consultants, and interdisciplinary teams; prepare high‑quality reports, presentations, and regulatory documentation.
Serve as a technical liaison with government agencies, community groups, landowners, and partner organizations; communicate complex ecological issues clearly to non‑technical audiences.
Contribute to long‑range planning and environmental strategy by evaluating natural resource conditions, identifying risks, and recommending management actions.
Requirements
This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
This position may require a one‑year probationary period. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. See Additional Information section.
You must meet qualifications requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Position subject to pre‑employment background investigation.
If selected, you will be required to complete a financial disclosure statement.
Qualifications Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
To qualify for GS‑09 level, you must have:
One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 level.
Gathering data, preparing draft documentation, or coordinating basic field activities to assist with the development of natural resource management plans or support conservation or restoration projects.
Participating in field surveys, habitat assessments, species monitoring, or ecological inventories under the guidance of a senior specialist, and performing data entry, quality checks, or preparing portions of technical reports or presentations.
Applying environmental regulations to assist with permit documentation, communicating routine information to staff or partners, or contributing research for planning purposes.
Completed all requirements for a master’s or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field.
Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field.
LL.B or JD, if related.
Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above.
To qualify for GS‑11
One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 level.
Preparing environmental documentation, supporting permitting processes, or coordinating with the regulatory agency to support the development of natural resource plans or to recommend conservation or restoration actions.
Planning or coordinating field surveys, habitat assessments, or species monitoring to validate ecological data and prepare reports, briefings, or presentations to inform leadership or stakeholders.
Analyzing natural resource trends and identifying emerging management needs to support long‑range planning efforts.
Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field.
Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree.
LL.M., if related.
Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b), c) and d) above.
To qualify for GS‑12
One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑11 level.
Developing or implementing natural resource plans or interpreting and applying federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and coordinating with regulatory agencies to prepare permit applications.
Designing or conducting field surveys, ecological assessments, or species monitoring to manage natural resource projects, program metrics, or the work of contractors, consultants or interdisciplinary teams.
Preparing technical reports, briefings, or regulatory documentation for leadership, stakeholders, or external agencies to provide technical input on natural resource issues.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI‑assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
Education Basic Requirement: If you are using education completed in the United States to meet the qualification requirements, your degree must have been awarded from a college or university that is accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be 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/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.
Additional Information Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement.
If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must:
Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. The questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility.
Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position.
Submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP as indicated in 'Required Documents'.
For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap.
Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit.
Probationary/Trial Period You may be required to serve a one‑year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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 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.
Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr