Regional Director

Role Overview

The Regional Director position serves critical dual functions within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). As a member of the Service Directorate, the incumbent influences national conservation policies, budget priorities, funding distribution, and organizational structuring. Concurrently, as the leader of the Region, this role ensures the effective implementation of Service programs, policies, and procedures aligned with the USFWS mission, including oversight of coastal areas under Service jurisdiction.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise activities related to national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries throughout the Region, ensuring adherence to U.S. laws and international treaties aimed at protecting endangered species, migratory waterfowl, fish, and mammals, while facilitating public recreational access.
• Lead scientific projects concerning fish and wildlife tied to water and land resource development; establish systems to assess ecological impacts of resource management decisions nationwide.
• Coordinate with foreign counterparts on policy matters, program implementation, and regional Fish and Wildlife initiatives to promote cooperative engagement.
• Oversee appraisal, acquisition, management, and disposition of lands, including evaluating land and mineral applications under Federal Aid and Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act provisions.
• Administer and direct operations of fish hatcheries and related facilities across the Region under applicable U.S. laws and treaties.
• Guide the development and analysis of scientific fish and wildlife programs related to water and land resource development.
• Drive education, outreach, and public information efforts to increase public understanding and engagement with conservation programs.
• Oversee supporting administrative functions including personnel management, contracting, financial administration, safety, and library services.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Employment Conditions:

• U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a background/suitability clearance at the Critical-Sensitive/High Risk level.
• New Senior Executive Service (SES) appointees are subject to a one-year probationary period.
• Must file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) within 30 days of appointment.
• Pre- and post-employment drug testing may be required.
• Selection approvals are subject to Department authorization, including OPM SES certification via structured interviews.
• Males must comply with Selective Service registration requirements.
• Political appointees within the last five years must disclose political background to Human Resources for appropriate approval by OPM.

Educational and Experience Standards:

• A bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or relevant related fields, OR
• A combination of education and experience equating to 30 semester hours in pertinent courses plus suitable professional experience, OR
• At least four years of experience demonstrating knowledge equivalent to a four-year degree in relevant disciplines.

Applicants are expected to embody dedication to enhancing federal government effectiveness, uphold the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and be committed to equity without regard to race, gender, color, religion, or national origin.

Applications must include a two-page resume outlining Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs). The ECQs assess leadership capabilities, while the TQs evaluate subject matter expertise.

Technical Qualifications Required:

• Expertise in contemporary resource management challenges and interdisciplinary biological sciences with professional experience in natural resource administration.
• Insight into the objectives and operations of large-scale natural resource organizations with national programmatic reach.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) Include:

• Commitment to the rule of law and American governance principles, including constitutional service and civic responsibility.
• Proven ability to enhance organizational efficiency through strategic management of fiscal and technological resources.
• Demonstrable merit and competence in technical skills, problem-solving, adaptability, and producing high-quality outputs.
• Leadership skills to motivate teams, drive accountability, foster talent development, and manage organizational change.
• Track record of achieving strategic goals with innovative and operational rigor.

Education Verification: Applicants qualifying through education or combined education and experience must submit transcripts showing coursework details and academic performance. For foreign education, a credential evaluation by a recognized organization is necessary.

Additional Information

• This Senior Executive Service position is categorized as Category 2 with a pay range of $197,200 to $228,000 annually, subject to performance-based increases.
• Veteran preference and time-in-grade requirements do not apply. Competitive status is not mandatory.
• Personnel may be reassigned across locations and departments as per organizational needs.
• Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available under specific conditions.
• Federal employment offers comprehensive benefits for employee and family wellbeing, varying by position type.