Conservation Planner

Summary

This position is a Conservation Planner, GS-0401-11/12 working in Honolulu, HI for the R1-Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

As a Conservation Planner your duties will include but are not limited to the following: plans and evaluates a wide variety of complex analyses of refuge management and restoration projects to determine their effects upon biological, physical, cultural, and socioeconomic resources; ensures that legal standards, regulations, policy, and other requirements are met. Reviews and/or writes all or portions of environmental assessment/impact statements for refuge plans to evaluate environmental consequences of proposed actions on the environment.

Provides expert technical guidance, review, and comment on documents, and other support—such as participation in public and inter‑agency meetings and some document development—for refuge plans, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, compatibility determinations, mitigation plans, and other compliance documents and processes, and permits and approvals. Participates in the development, review, and processing of a variety of permits and other compliance documents for refuges in coordination with refuge and regional office staff, Federal, Tribal, and state agencies, and with other parties as required.

Examples include refuge appropriateness findings and compatibility determinations; ESA Section 7 compliance; and refuge wilderness reviews. Ensures that due dates are met and policies are followed. Leads and coordinates the development of comprehensive plans and project‑level plans for the conservation of National Wildlife Refuge System natural resources and development of opportunities for wildlife‑dependent recreation under a variety of conditions. Leads, develops, coordinates, or reviews plans that may encompass any and all programs that affect refuge fish and/or wildlife and their habitat conditions—including, but not limited to, comprehensive conservation plans, natural resources (habitat) management, fire management, visitor services, hunting and fishing management and/or habitat restoration.

Reviews and comments on reports or environmental documents prepared by environmental consultants to ensure they meet legal, policy, and contract requirements. Gathers, organizes, and interprets biological, ecological, socioeconomic, public use, or other pertinent information to ensure management and project plans are current and accurate. Supports the implementation of management plans, studies and investigations required for species propagation/production, resource protection, ecological factors, public information, and other aspects of natural resource management.