Natural Resources Specialist (Project Management)
Department: Department of the Interior
Location(s): Sacramento, California
Salary Range: $117984 - $153382 Per Year
Job Summary: Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Natural Resources Specialist (Project Management). Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Duty Location: Sacramento, California
Major Duties:
- 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.
Qualifications: 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. 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