Become a Lead Budget Officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Are you a financial strategist with a passion for public service? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking an elite professional to serve as a Budget Officer in Baileys Crossroads, Virginia. This GS-15 role is not merely an accounting position; it is a leadership function at the heart of the Department of the Interior’s conservation efforts. You will manage hundreds of millions of dollars in appropriations, ensuring that critical environmental programs have the resources they need to thrive.

Job Responsibilities

As a Budget Officer, you will serve as a key advisor to senior leadership. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Budget Formulation: Designing and planning the Service’s budget estimates for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress.
Policy Oversight: Establishing policies and controls to ensure that expenditures remain within statutory limits.
Strategic Reporting: Drafting opening statements for congressional hearings and preparing high-level budget justifications.
Control Systems: Utilizing advanced accounting systems such as the Financial Business Management System (FBMS) to monitor allocations.

Requirements

This is a senior-level position requiring specific federal experience. Candidates must demonstrate:

One full year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or private sector equivalent).
Proficiency with federal accounting databases.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex regulatory environment.
Willingness to undergo a high-risk background investigation.

Salary and Comparison Table

Compensation for this position is commensurate with the GS-15 pay scale, offering a competitive federal salary to attract top-tier financial talent.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$169,279 - $197,200
Job Series	0560 - Budget Analysis
Location	Baileys Crossroads, VA
Telework	Yes, with supervisor approval

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that stands out in the professional market:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Generous leave policy, including separate accruals for vacation and sick time.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of selection:

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. The system will discard longer documents.
Documentation: Include your most recent performance appraisal signed by a supervisor.
Clarity: Clearly state your hours worked per week; omission of this data can lead to your application being disqualified.

This is an exceptional opportunity to exercise high-level financial leadership within a mission-driven organization. Apply by October 8, 2026, to be considered for this career-defining role.

Why This Budget Officer Job Matters

Shape the future of conservation by leading financial strategy at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Budget Officer Job Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a seasoned Budget Officer to oversee high-level fiscal operations in Baileys Crossroads, VA. This GS-15 role is pivotal in directing budget formulation, execution, and strategic resource allocation to support the agency's vital mission of protecting natural resources.

Requirements for Budget Officer

U.S. Citizenship or National status
Must pass a background investigation and financial disclosure filing
Registration with Selective Service (if born after 12-31-1959)
Possession of a valid driver's license
Completion of a 1-year probationary period
Ability to complete mandatory USA Hire Assessments
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements equivalent to GS-14

Preferred Qualifications for Budget Officer

Advanced experience with OMB-MAX A-11 and Government-Wide Treasury Systems
Expertise in legislative budget justification and congressional reporting
Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams
Proven history of managing multi-year and permanent budget appropriations

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health and life insurance options
✓Generous federal retirement and pension plans
✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
✓Telework opportunities available
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment options)

💡 How to Apply Budget Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Budget Officer Job

Review the full announcement carefully
Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages
Gather your most recent performance appraisal and relevant SF-50 forms
Complete the online application and mandatory assessment questionnaires
Submit all documentation via the USAJOBS portal by October 8, 2026

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit with 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins.
Clearly indicate hours worked per week for each job entry on your resume.
Do not submit award SF-50s; only focus on promotion or tenure-related documents.
Practice for the USA Hire Assessment to ensure you meet the required cut scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the experience requirements?

No, this specific position requires specialized federal experience and does not permit the substitution of education for that experience.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is telework-eligible, subject to supervisor approval.

What is the primary focus of this role?

You will primarily focus on the formulation and execution of the agency's annual and multi-year budget appropriations.

Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths, though you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

Job from U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service

The Department of the Interior (DOI) acts as the steward of America’s natural and cultural legacy. Within this framework, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plays a vital role in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, and plants. By managing this role, you directly impact how the nation protects its most vulnerable habitats for future generations.