Become a Grants Management Specialist with the USDA Forest Service
Are you looking to advance your career in federal fiscal oversight and partnership management? The USDA Forest Service is currently recruiting a Grants Management Specialist (GS-13) to provide critical leadership in the administration of research grants and cooperative agreements.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as the technical authority for grant actions. Your core duties include:
- Advising program managers on administrative partnership agreements.
- Overseeing the entire lifecycle of grants, from pre-award negotiations to final closeout.
- Interpreting federal laws and regulations regarding the use of taxpayer funds.
- Ensuring all agreements align with legislative authority and agency standards.
Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Roles
| Feature | General Specialist | This GS-13 Position |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Routine | Highly Complex |
| Oversight | Supervised | Independent Authority |
| Advisory | Operational | Strategic/Leadership |
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level. This includes experience in resolving complex cooperative agreements and establishing internal administrative processes. Additionally, candidates must be U.S. citizens, pass a background investigation, and be prepared to manage federal payments via direct deposit.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year, commensurate with the location of the duty station and the candidate's qualifications.
Benefits
The Forest Service provides a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement planning, and opportunities for long-term career growth. Selectees may also have access to specific agency resources such as daycare facilities and government-managed housing where available.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this will not be considered.
- Upload Correct Formats: Only upload PDFs, Word documents, or standard text files. Avoid Adobe Portfolios.
- Verify Your Work: Double-check that your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties mentioned in the announcement.
If you are ready to apply your expertise in grants management to support the vital work of the Forest Service, this role offers the perfect platform for professional impact. Ensure you submit all required documentation through the official online portal by the closing date.
Why This Grants Management Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of our natural heritage by mastering the lifecycle of critical research grants and agreements as a Grants Management Specialist with the USDA Forest Service.
Grants Management Specialist Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking a dedicated Grants Management Specialist to serve as the technical authority for research grant actions. In this role, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle management of cooperative agreements and grants. You will provide critical oversight, ensure regulatory compliance, and advise senior leadership on fiscal and administrative strategies to support the mission of protecting 193 million acres of national forest and grasslands.
Requirements for Grants Management Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Must be willing to receive salary via direct deposit.
- Must pass an E-Verify employment check.
- Must obtain a Level II Grants Management Specialist Certification within 18 months and maintain it.
- Must complete and submit form OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
- Must meet one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
Preferred Qualifications for Grants Management Specialist
- Expertise in resolving complex grant and cooperative agreement issues.
- Demonstrated ability to handle full pre-award through closeout processes.
- Experience developing internal protocols for negotiating federal grants.
- Proven track record of advising senior officials on federal fund usage and compliance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Access to Federal employee retirement programs and life insurance.
- ✓Comprehensive health benefits packages.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential access to Forest Service daycare facilities.
- ✓Potential access to government housing.
💡 How to Apply Grants Management Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Grants Management Specialist Job
- Review the full announcement and instructions carefully.
- Ensure your resume is no more than two pages long.
- Log into the application portal to complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload your resume and all required supporting documents in a supported format (PDF, DOCX, TXT, etc.).
- Verify that your application has been received electronically before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Check for email notifications in your USAJOBS account to avoid missing status updates.
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with specific grant phases (pre-award through closeout).
- Double-check your document formats to ensure they are under 5MB and not Adobe Portfolios.
- Start the application early to allow time for technical support if needed.
- Make sure your resume includes specific dates, hours worked per week, and job series information for all relevant experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of this position?
This is a temporary promotion position not-to-exceed one year. It may be extended, converted to a permanent position, or ended early based on funding and workload.
Can I work remotely?
The job location is negotiable after selection at various Forest Service offices; however, it is not a fully remote position.
Is education a substitute for experience?
No, there is no substitution of education allowed for the specialized experience requirement.
Is this position permanent?
It is a temporary promotion not-to-exceed one year, though it has the potential to be converted to permanent status.
Do I need a specific certification?
Yes, you must be qualified to obtain a Level II Grants Management Specialist Certification within 18 months of hire.
Job from Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service is a global leader in natural resource management. With stewardship responsibilities for over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, the agency relies on complex partnerships, research initiatives, and cooperative agreements to fulfill its mission. Working here means contributing to the sustainability of our nation’s most vital ecosystems.