Apply on Employer Site

USAJOBS · 1 day ago

Natural Resources Specialist (Project Management)

Sacramento, California, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$118K/yr - $153K/yr

1+ years exp

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking a Natural Resources Specialist (Project Management) to assist in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. The role involves directing and managing the implementation of measures to meet biological performance standards and coordinating with various federal and state agencies.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Directs and manages implementation of Reasonable and Prudent Measures Actions (RPMAs) to meet biological performance standards and programmatic performance targets

Identifies areas of non-compliance and negotiates resolutions with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); briefs the Bay-Delta Office Area Manager, Regional Director, and Commissioner's Office; recommends corrective actions; and documents RPM modifications

Negotiates and documents modifications to NMFS and USFWS Biological Opinions (BiOps) related to RPM implementation and coordinates execution with other Area Offices and State partners

Coordinates RPM implementation with Reclamation programs and initiatives including Collaborative Science and Adaptive Management Program (CSAMP), Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), and EcoRestore

Serves as Reclamation's primary point of contact to integrate RPM actions with State and County initiatives, including flood protection, agriculture, recreation, refuges, and fishing and hunting organizations, ensuring efforts are complementary and non-adverse

Oversees ESA compliance processes, including preparation of environmental impact statements and reports, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and program directives

Coordinates preparation, review, and tracking of planning and environmental documents to meet established schedules; works closely with Federal, State, and local agencies and leadership

Collaborates with Federal and State agencies including USFWS, NMFS, EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Water Resources

Analyzes complex, interrelated technical data and recommends overall plans of development, problem resolution strategies, and future program direction while ensuring technical adequacy

Organizes, directs, and provides technical oversight of interdisciplinary teams including biologists, engineers, economists, planners, regulatory specialists, real estate professionals, archaeologists, and attorneys

Interprets and evaluates study results to develop plans that meet feasibility, completeness, efficiency, and acceptability requirements

Reviews and evaluates Federal, State, local, and private studies related to ecology, water needs, economic trends, topography, and resource development

Participates in negotiations with Federal and State agencies, local governments, water districts, water contractors, and other Area Offices on highly sensitive and scrutinized water resource issues

Serves as a regional technical authority on BiOps and RPM implementation, resolving issues related to assumptions, funding coordination, and implementation strategies with Federal, State, and stakeholder partners

Negotiates regulatory changes to improve water operations; organizes BiOps implementation reviews, including public involvement; determines planning assumptions and study methodologies; and engages with adversarial stakeholders to resolve controversial issues

Prepares technical reports and delivers briefings and presentations as required

Qualification

Biological Sciences DegreeNatural Resource ManagementWater Management ActivitiesEnvironmental ComplianceInteragency ConsultationNegotiation SkillsTeam LeadershipTechnical Reporting

Required

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National

You must be suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation

You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents)

You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications)

You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education)

You must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position

You will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Form

You will be required to travel approximately 10% of the time

You must possess or obtain certification as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR)/Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)

Some fieldwork is required

To be eligible for consideration, you must first meet the Basic Education Requirement for this position, having a Biological Sciences Discipline, GS-0401

A. Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position

OR B. Combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major (24 semester hours), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that you meet the Basic Education Requirement and specialized experience requirement - this information must be clearly supported in the resume

To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-12 level in federal service having demonstrated experience in planning, budgeting, and monitoring water management activities; providing staff services and analysis on water management conditions and formulating and recommending policy, practices, and procedures; reviewing and making recommendations on policy issues, plans, methodologies, and practices affecting water management or habitat restoration efforts; developing appropriate flow plans; or participating in interagency consultations that result in proposed regulations

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment

You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors if applicable, by 01/28/2026

This position does not allow substituting education for experience

This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in being rated not-qualified for the position

You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer

Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience

To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs