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Contract Wildlife Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chloeta

Wildlife Project Manager

Asheville, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract ... Advanced knowledge of wildlife biology, habitat management, and ecosystem processes * Strong ...

Pheasants Forever

Farm Bill Biologist I/II

North Vernon, IN · On-site

$40K - $46K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... wildlife habitat evaluation guides (WHEG), activity reports, contract documents, and other relevant work products and documents requiring biological expertise. * Communicate technical and program ...

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All JobsContract Wildlife Biologist Jobs

Contract Wildlife Biologist information

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$22.5K

$61.2K

$105.5K

How much do contract wildlife biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract wildlife biologist in the United States is $61,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a contract wildlife biologist may face in the field?

Contract Wildlife Biologists often work outdoors in remote or challenging environments, which can involve variable weather, rugged terrain, and unpredictable wildlife activity. Meeting project deadlines while adhering to strict data collection and environmental regulations can sometimes be demanding. Additionally, the contract nature of the job means work schedules and locations may change frequently, requiring adaptability and good organizational skills. Despite these challenges, the role is rewarding for those passionate about wildlife conservation and who enjoy dynamic, hands-on fieldwork.

Is there a demand for contract wildlife biologists?

Demand for contract wildlife biologists remains steady due to ongoing conservation efforts, environmental assessments, and habitat management projects. These roles often require specialized skills in field research, data analysis, and regulatory compliance, and they are typically project-based with variable schedules. Job opportunities can fluctuate with funding availability and environmental priorities.

What is a contract wildlife biologist?

A Contract Wildlife Biologist is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to study, manage, and protect wildlife and natural habitats. They may work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations, often conducting field surveys, habitat assessments, and regulatory compliance work. Their responsibilities vary by project but typically include data collection, report writing, and collaborating with stakeholders to support conservation efforts. This role offers flexibility and diverse work environments but may require frequent travel and outdoor work in varying conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract wildlife biologist?

To thrive as a Contract Wildlife Biologist, you need in-depth knowledge of wildlife biology, ecology, and field research methods, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS devices, remote sensing tools, and wildlife handling certifications are often essential for collecting and analyzing ecological data. Strong observation, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help build collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. These abilities are vital for conducting accurate fieldwork, meeting project objectives, and contributing to effective wildlife management solutions.

Where do contract wildlife biologists get paid the most?

Contract wildlife biologists tend to earn higher wages in regions with greater environmental funding, higher living costs, or where conservation projects are more prevalent, such as in certain states or areas with active government or private sector wildlife programs. Salaries can also vary based on experience, specialized skills, and certifications like GIS or species identification. Generally, urban or resource-rich areas offer higher pay for contract wildlife biologists compared to rural locations.
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What cities are hiring for Contract Wildlife Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Wildlife Biologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Wildlife Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Wildlife Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Wildlife Biologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Wildlife Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Wildlife Biologist jobs are:
Contract Wildlife Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Wildlife Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,173 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Wildlife Biologist

United States Army Installation Management Command

Fort Bliss, TX • On-site, Remote

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Serves as Fort Bliss wildlife manager responsible for the conservation of wildlife populations and their habitats on the installation's 1,000,000 acres.
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Duties
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  • Manages the development and implementation of wildlife management policies and programs in accordance with the Fort Bliss Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and applicable regulations.
  • Perform surveys for the presence, abundance, trends, and interactions of local wildlife populations.
  • Serve as wildlife expert to provide advice and technical assistance on habitat management matters to other Installation Divisions, contractors, and higher headquarters personnel.
  • Develop contract scopes of work for baseline data acquisition, impact investigation, compliance documentation, mitigation, and repair.
  • Evaluate real and potential effects of current and proposed activities on wildlife and their habitats to ensure compliance with regulations and minimize/eliminate adverse impacts on the environment.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires pre-employment Financial Disclosure Statement OGE Form 450 and annually thereafter in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7-R.
  • This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Wildlife Biologist:
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in biological science that included at least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; AND at least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); AND at least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: Equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) conducting wildlife and environmental surveys to determine adverse impacts on the environment; 2) analyzing data to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); and 3) monitoring contractor activities for compliance with environmental laws and organizational procedures. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change or Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the government interest.
  • Recruitment relocation incentives may be authorized.
  • Student loan repayment may be authorized.
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for Determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate may be authorized.

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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.
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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.

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