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Land Law Examiner
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
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Summary
Join the Bureau of Land Management as a Land Law Examiner, where you will examine and adjudicate land and mineral cases that support the management of public lands and resources.
We expect to fill 1 vacancy in one of the following locations. Learn more about these communities and surrounding areas below:
Learn more about this agency
Summary
Join the Bureau of Land Management as a Land Law Examiner, where you will examine and adjudicate land and mineral cases that support the management of public lands and resources.
We expect to fill 1 vacancy in one of the following locations. Learn more about these communities and surrounding areas below:
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Applegate Field Office
Alturas, CA
Applegate Field Office
Cedarville, CA
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $50,460 - $80,243 per year Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Promotion potential 9
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes - Required at the GS-09 level
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CBUD-27-13078183-DE-JLH Control number 886965600
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens or Nationals; and Career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
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Duties
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Position Overview
As a Land Law Examiner, you will play an important role in the management of public lands and resources by examining and adjudicating a wide variety of land and mineral cases. At the full performance level, you will independently research land status and ownership, analyze legal and factual issues, apply public land and mineral laws and regulations, and prepare decisions and other documents that support land and resource actions. This work combines detailed research, problem solving, written analysis, and coordination with applicants, other agencies, and the public.
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual''s employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/23/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT - LAND LAW EXAMINING SERIES (0965)
In addition to the grade-level qualifications below, you must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) through qualifying education or experience, as applicable:
Experience: You have experience directly related to examining or adjudicating cases under land and resource-related laws and regulations. Examples include reviewing applications or claims for public land use or disposal; processing leases, licenses, or permits for land or resource use; resolving land-use matters or conflicts; title searching or abstracting; or interpreting land records, survey plats, tract indexes, or legal documents when the work demonstrates an understanding of applicable land laws, regulations, and policies.
OR
Education for GS-07: You have graduate-level education, including law school, that included or was supplemented by at least 12 semester hours of coursework related to the administration of land laws. Examples include land surveying, cartography, land use or real estate law, land appraising, land use planning, water rights, mining laws, or legal instrument review and interpretation.
OR
Education for GS-09: You have qualifying graduate education with major study in a field related to the administration of land laws, such as the fields described above for GS-07.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-07 LAND LAW EXAMINER
In addition to meeting the IOR, you must meet one of the following:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-05 level or equivalent performing all of the following:
OR
EDUCATION: You have completed one full year of graduate-level education related to the position that also satisfies the GS-07 education provision of the IOR above and demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school considers one year of full-time study; if this cannot be determined, 18 semester hours is considered one full year.
OR
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA): You successfully completed a bachelor''s degree in a directly related field that included at least 12 semester hours of coursework related to the administration of land laws AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 ("B" or better) based on four years of education or courses completed during the final two years; OR (b) 3.5 or higher out of 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on required courses completed in the major field or during the final two years. GPA is rounded to one decimal place (e.g., 2.95 = 3.0; 2.94 = 2.9); OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Freshman honor societies do not qualify.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: You have qualifying graduate education and specialized experience that together equal at least 100 percent of the GS-07 requirement and also satisfy the IOR above.
Divide your months of qualifying experience by 12 and your qualifying graduate semester hours by the number your school considers one full year (18 semester hours if not otherwise established). Add the percentages; the total must equal at least 100 percent. Required related coursework is prorated consistent with OPM standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GS-09 LAND LAW EXAMINER
In addition to meeting the IOR, you must meet one of the following:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-07 level or equivalent performing all of the following:
OR
EDUCATION: You have a master''s or equivalent graduate degree; OR two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR an LL.B. or J.D., if related. Your education must be related to the position, satisfy the GS-09-and-above education provision of the IOR above, and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: You have qualifying graduate education and specialized experience that together equal at least 100 percent of the GS-09 requirement. Only graduate education beyond the amount required for the next lower grade may be credited.
The percentage of qualifying graduate education beyond the first full year, plus the percentage of qualifying GS-07-level specialized experience, must equal at least 100 percent. Your education and/or experience must also satisfy the IOR above.
Other Information:
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position''s supervisor.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.
Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary. Some walking and bending is involved when working with records
and files.
Work Environment: The work is in a typical office setting.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
The duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of any additional assessment(s) required for this position.
Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran''s preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position
Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
In addition to the application and minimum qualifications questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment, if required.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Veterans'' preference will be based solely on the claimed preference. Your eligibility will not be changed based on the documentation provided. If you are uncertain which preference to claim, you can learn more by visiting the VetGuide.
Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/23/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency''s staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/23/2026--unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Agency contact information
DOI Staffing Team 4 (BLM)
Email StaffingTeam4@ios.doi.gov Address BLM California State Office
BLM California State Office, CA-945
2800 Cottage Way
Suite W-1623
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/23/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency''s staffing offices.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/23/2026--unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.
Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
DOI Staffing Team 4 (BLM)
Email StaffingTeam4@ios.doi.gov Address BLM California State Office
BLM California State Office, CA-945
2800 Cottage Way
Suite W-1623
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Next steps
Please refer to your USAJOBS account for application status; the Human Resources Office cannot respond to individual status inquiries.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Bureau of Land Management
The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation''s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.
The mission of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Click here to learn more about the Bureau of Land Management.
Agency contact information
DOI Staffing Team 4 (BLM)
Email StaffingTeam4@ios.doi.gov Address BLM California State Office
BLM California State Office, CA-945
2800 Cottage Way
Suite W-1623
Sacramento, CA 95825
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what it''s like to work at Bureau of Land Management, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKonBsAFNbY
Summary
Join the Bureau of Land Management as a Land Law Examiner, where you will examine and adjudicate land and mineral cases that support the management of public lands and resources.
We expect to fill 1 vacancy in one of the following locations. Learn more about these communities and surrounding areas below:
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Applegate Field Office
Alturas, CA
Applegate Field Office
Cedarville, CA
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $50,460 - $80,243 per year Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Promotion potential 9
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes - Required at the GS-09 level
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CBUD-27-13078183-DE-JLH Control number 886965600
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| Location | CA |
| Salary | $50,460–$80,243 Per Year |
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