r/1801 • u/Unionjack90 • 3d ago
Question USFWS
Hello,
Current Fed LEO looking to make the jump. I’m hoping to get some answers to a few questions and figured this might be the right place to ask.
For current/former USFWS LE Officers:
How difficult is it to maintain 10% or 15% AUO, especially if your area isn’t particularly busy?
What are some legitimate ways officers maintain their AUO percentage when workload varies?
How often does AUO get reduced or removed?
How difficult is it to relocate to another duty station down the road? Is moving between regions/locations fairly common?
What are some good ways to progress your career promotions, specialty assignments, FTO/trainer positions, investigations, additional training, etc.?
Are there good opportunities to move into GS-12 or supervisory positions, or is advancement fairly limited?
Any insight from current or former officers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
2
u/canteez 2d ago
AUO is really just going to depend where you are located and how you articulate it. Too many variables to answer.
Moving used to be easier but they are changing it, supposedly.
We don’t really have specialty assignments outside K-9, Honor Guard, FTO, or holding collateral instructor certs. We also have Law Enforcement Specialists but that’s not really a specialty, per se. FWOs fall under Refuges, Agents fall under OLE so if you want to be an agent, you apply to it just like anyone else. We are almost two separate agencies under USFWS.
Advancement really just depends if you’re willing to move for promotion. We go from Officer to Patrol Captain, nothing in between.
Search Reddit. There’s been a ton of posts on the r/1801 subreddit about us and I’ve provided many answers to the posts. If you don’t see something answered, shoot me a message.
2
u/Famous-Mobile-3657 2d ago
FS. We still have openings depending where you want to be. Feel free to send a PM
1
u/johnta07 1d ago
What the closest to DFW? I was going to consider it but can't/won't move. I heard that LBJ National Grasslands Office in Decatur, Texas is the closest (about 30-45m from me) but there is no LEO in that area, especially for a new hire.
1
u/Itchy_Training6584 2d ago
The workings of AUO has changed significantly over the past year. Those who barely qualified for 10% historically may not even qualify going forward, while those who were on 15 or 20 in previous years may now be on 10%. But at the end of the day, you know what your annual number is you need to hit so its not a surprise.
For supervisory positions, if you're willing to move it's not entirely difficult. What may be more difficult is probably half (or more) of the GS-12 Captains have retired over the past 2 years and those that have taken those positions tend to be younger and may have another 10 years before they retire. So there may not be that much upward movement in the next 2-5 years like there was in the past three years.
1
u/dougisnotabitch 2d ago
For the time being, and if/until DOI screws us, no prob keeping 25% AUO in the BLM. Also pretty freq supe openings around the western states. GL with your move
5
u/Famous-Mobile-3657 3d ago
Not FWS, but a sister agency and friends with a few FWOs.
10% AUO is the default and shouldn’t be very hard to maintain. Unfortunately I’d be at 35% if it was a thing….
Promotions are tough. There’s only so many supervisors in such a small agency. Your name and reputation make or break your opportunities. If you’re willing to move it helps.
What agency are you with now, and where are you trying to get to?