Managing America's Wild Herds: Becoming a Wild Horse and Burro Specialist
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently accepting applications for a high-impact Wild Horse and Burro Specialist (COR) position. This role sits at the intersection of environmental stewardship and federal contract management, offering a unique opportunity for professionals dedicated to the protection and management of public lands and their iconic animal populations.
Job Responsibilities
As a Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, you will act as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Major duties include:
- Managing national gather program contracts and interagency agreements.
- Preparing comprehensive scopes of work, market research, and funding analyses.
- Providing expert guidance to field staff to ensure compliance with program specifications.
- Developing national gather schedules and supporting NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) analyses.
- Assisting in the preparation of long-term operating budgets and Annual Work Plans (AWP).
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A specific educational background in biological sciences, natural resources, or related fields.
- Current Level II Contracting Officer's Representative Certification.
- Demonstrated experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service.
| Feature | Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Mandatory |
| Education | Degree in Related Field Required |
| Certification | Level II COR Required |
| Background Check | Mandatory |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $106,437 to $138,370 per year. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement plans, and potential flexibility with telework options depending on supervisor approval.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system will not accept longer documents.
- Documentation: Ensure all SF-50s clearly indicate your tenure and grade history.
- Certification: Do not forget to attach your Level II COR certification; it is the most common reason for immediate disqualification.
If you have the experience and passion required to manage the delicate balance of our wild horse and burro populations, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to make a lasting difference in the preservation of the American West.
Why This Wild Horse And Burro Specialist (Cor) Job Matters
Shape the future of wild horse and burro conservation while driving national-level policy as a key Bureau of Land Management specialist.
Wild Horse And Burro Specialist (Cor) Job Overview
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking a dedicated Wild Horse and Burro Specialist (COR) to join our team in a pivotal role. This position serves as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for the national wild horse and burro gather program. The incumbent will be instrumental in managing national program contracts, interagency agreements, and providing critical budgetary and operational support. This role is highly influential, requiring expert coordination to ensure the humane management of wild horses and burros across public lands.
Requirements for Wild Horse And Burro Specialist (Cor)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation and undergo favorable adjudication.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Willingness to participate in direct deposit for payroll.
- Must pass an E-Verify employment check.
- Hold a Level II Contracting Officer's Representative Certification (Selective Placement Factor).
- Must hold a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related field (or a qualifying combination of education and experience).
- No active real estate license or financial interest in firms holding interest in Federal lands.
Preferred Qualifications for Wild Horse And Burro Specialist (Cor)
- Extensive experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for large-scale federal contracts.
- Strong background in natural resource management or wild horse and burro program operations.
- Proven proficiency in developing complex operating budgets and long-range strategic plans.
- Expertise in managing complex, high-pressure situations during field gathers or large-scale project operations.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and other government agencies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Health and Insurance Programs
- ✓Retirement Benefits
- ✓Telework Opportunities
- ✓Professional Development and Training
- ✓Potential for Recruitment or Relocation Incentives
💡 How to Apply Wild Horse And Burro Specialist (Cor) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Wild Horse And Burro Specialist (Cor) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully for specific documentation requirements.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, including all specific hours worked and grade history.
- Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s, through the official portal before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly follows the 2-page limit and font size requirements.
- Clearly distinguish between 'full-time' and 'part-time' work by including hours worked per week.
- Do not submit award-based SF-50s; only use promotion or permanent appointment SF-50s.
- Double-check that you have uploaded your Level II COR certification as it is a mandatory screen-out factor.
- Use the preview questionnaire tool to understand the assessment criteria before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, while the location is negotiable after selection, the role is not classified as a remote position.
What is a Selective Placement Factor?
It is a mandatory qualification—in this case, the Level II COR certification—that you must possess to be considered for the role. Without it, your application will be rated as ineligible.
Job from Bureau Of Land Management
The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, is tasked with the monumental responsibility of sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands. Employees in this agency support generations of Americans by balancing resource conservation with public usage.