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Federal Wildlife Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate project activities with Federal agency staff, contractors, and partners * Participate in ... Identify wildlife resource issues and develop solutions or mitigation strategies * Serve as liaison ...

Wildlife Specialist

Albany, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year (federal max!) OR free tuition on approved programs through ... We go where the wildlife goes! Candidates must be physically capable of safely performing the ...

Showing results 21-40

Federal Wildlife information

See salary details

$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do federal wildlife jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal wildlife in the United States is $64,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal wildlife officer?

Federal Wildlife Officers are law enforcement professionals who work for agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Their primary responsibilities include protecting wildlife, enforcing federal laws related to wildlife conservation, and ensuring the safety of natural habitats. They patrol federal lands, investigate wildlife crimes such as poaching or illegal trade, and sometimes assist in rescue operations. These officers play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and upholding environmental regulations.

How do I become a federal wildlife officer?

To become a federal wildlife officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, or a related field, along with relevant experience in conservation or law enforcement. Applicants must pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and often complete specialized training at a federal law enforcement academy. Certification in firearms and law enforcement procedures is also usually required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal wildlife officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Wildlife Officer, you need a solid background in law enforcement, wildlife biology, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field and completion of federal law enforcement training. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, wildlife tracking technology, and standard law enforcement equipment is essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a strong commitment to conservation help officers excel in diverse and challenging environments. These combined skills ensure the effective protection of wildlife resources and the enforcement of federal laws in often remote and demanding settings.

What are some common challenges faced by federal wildlife officers in the field?

Federal Wildlife Officers often encounter challenges such as working in remote and rugged environments, dealing with unpredictable weather, and enforcing regulations over large and sometimes inaccessible areas. They may also face situations involving potentially dangerous wildlife or confrontations with individuals violating wildlife laws. Adaptability, clear communication, and a strong commitment to conservation are essential traits for overcoming these challenges and ensuring both public and ecological safety.
More about Federal Wildlife jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Wildlife jobs? Cities with the most Federal Wildlife job openings:
What states have the most Federal Wildlife jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Wildlife jobs include:
Infographic showing various Federal Wildlife job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

$78K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

If selected, you will be responsible for project and program delivery, management, and administration with minimal supervision. The work is primarily concerned with wildlife damage management (WDM) operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species in urban, suburban, and rural environments.
Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: - 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; andAt 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.
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 the basic requirement applicants must also possess:
FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Has coordinated and performed aerial wildlife damage management projects while representing the program in communications with other organizations and parties.
  • Wildlife damage technical procedures such as animal capture, restraint, marking, and transport, to be able to train others.
  • Modified or revised standard techniques for wildlife damage management operations, to include recommendation of areas for potential research.
OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 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:
Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER