1

Federal Wildlife Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildlife Specialist

Albany, NY · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Ensure compliance with federal aid guidelines. Perform Land reconnaissance on potential acquisition sites. Assist in the implementation of all technical services related to wildlife surveys and ...

$106K/yr

... Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is ... wildlife; overseeing budgets; collaborating with internal and/or external groups on natural ...

Showing results 41-60

Federal Wildlife information

See salary details

$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do federal wildlife jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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.

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.

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.

How do you 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 work experience. Applicants must pass a physical fitness test, background check, and training at a federal law enforcement academy such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
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, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% 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.

$89K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager with US Fish and Wildlife Service.

WILDLIFE REFUGE MANAGER GS-0485-12 $89,508 - $116,362. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/08/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, 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.

-AND-

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Basic Educational Requirement AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.

Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:
A. Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.. You must submit transcripts.
-OR-
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described in A above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (1) experience planning and directing a broad variety of management operations in a natural resource setting; (2) planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of a wildlife management program; (3) developing long and short-term management plans; (4) leading a staff of professional and nonprofessional personnel; and (5) experience implementing natural resources laws, rules and regulations that affect the National Wildlife Refuge System. You must include hours per week worked.

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:This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
This position has a mandatory education requirement.
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. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER