Natural Resources Specialist
Department: Department of the Interior
Location(s): Sacramento, California
Salary Range: $99218 - $128987 Per Year
Job Summary: Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Natural Resources Specialist. Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Duty Location: Sacramento, California
Major Duties:
- Oversee the preparation of the more difficult and complex environmental compliance documents and provide advice and staff assistance in the formation of policies responsive to the Bay-Delta Office (BDO) needs in the environmental field. Assemble, coordinate and oversee interdisciplinary teams in the preparation and processing of assigned biological assessments, environmental impact statements, environmental assessments, environmental commitment plans, environmental portions of planning reports and other environmental documents prepared by the Bay-Delta Office (BDO). Arrange, define and coordinate work between cooperating Federal agencies, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Conduct environmental related public meetings with study teams and cooperating agency personnel and serve on scoping session teams as the expert on environmental matters. Assure the adequacy of environmental studies such as in-stream flow studies, habitat evaluation procedures (HEP), human use and economic evaluations (HUEE), special estuarine studies, recreation studies, flood plain management and wetland protection evaluations, consultation for rivers on the nationwide inventory, evaluations for effects to prime agricultural lands, studies of special ecosystems, USFWS planning aid studies, study plans and others. Review and provide comments on environmental impact statements and other environmental documents associated with BDO concerns prepared within the Region and by other agencies for compliance with policy directives and with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), California Endangered Species Act (CESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Historic Preservation Act and other environmental statutes, executive orders, regulations, procedures and the Reclamation NEPA Handbook. Review planning and other internal and external reports and data dealing with environmental problems and their solution to ensure environmental policy is articulated properly. Conduct follow-up studies or monitor the effects of environmental management policies on activities in the BDO and identify existing and potential problems to develops control systems for policy compliance for BDO use. Identify possible policy implications and where necessary assist the Regional Office in development of appropriate guidance and directives to guide the Region and BDO in implementing program activities. Act in a liaison capacity with technical segments of the Regional Office, with natural resources specialists in Reclamation's Denver and Washington offices, and personnel in other project offices on environmental matters affected by various planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance phases and research efforts. Originate correspondence and maintain personal contacts with counterpart personnel in other project offices, as well as the Mid-Pacific Regional, Denver, and Washington offices as required to solve difficult coordination problems and expedite the completion or revision of environmental statements and related documents. Represent the BDO on interagency committees, task forces, and cooperative working groups involved in activities relating to the Region's environmental programs to represent general Reclamation positions as well as provide environmental expertise.
Qualifications: To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the Basic Education Qualification Requirements listed below: A. Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR B. Combination of education and experience - Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the Basic Education, applicants must meet the specialized experience requirement - this information must be clearly supported in the resume. In order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - this information must be clearly supported in the resume. To qualify at the GS-12, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-11 level in federal service having demonstrated experience in preparing environmental documents to meet the requirements of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA); evaluating the impact of proposed projects and other activities that may result in potential effects on environmental resources; and determining, establishing, and applying biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures to the evaluation of effects on and/or management of environmental resources, or within existing or planned facilities and systems related to water resources management. These examples are not all inclusive. 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 will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors if applicable, by 01/28/2026.
How to Apply: Applications (resume, application questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 01/28/2026. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page. Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Application Deadline: 2026-01-28