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Wildlife Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Wildlife Biologist III

Sturgis, KY · On-site

$3.9K - $7.9K/mo

Advertisement Closes 8/24/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2604287 Wildlife Biologist III Pay Grade15 Salary $3,960.94 - $7,922.04 Monthly Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A ...

West Virginia

Wildlife Biologist 2

Charleston, WV · On-site

$50K - $88K/yr

Will assist the District Wildlife Biologist with the supervision and administration of wildlife management activities within the 10-county District 6; Develops or assists with the development of ...

Valiant

Approved Wildlife Biologist

Ridgecrest, CA

The Approved Wildlife Biologist is responsible for conducting wildlife surveys, monitoring sensitive species and habitats, collecting biological data, and supporting environmental compliance ...

Canacre USA, LLC

Senior Wildlife Biologist

Spring, TX · On-site

The Senior Wildlife Biologist will act as an expert in wildlife resources, with the ability to support projects in various jurisdiction across the country. The Senior Wildlife Biologist will ...

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Wildlife Biologist information

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$22.5K

$61.2K

$105.5K

How much do wildlife biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 does a wildlife biologist do?

A wildlife biologist studies animals and their habitats to understand how they interact with their environment. Their work often involves conducting field research, collecting data on animal populations, and monitoring ecosystems. They may also develop conservation plans, write reports, and work with government agencies or conservation organizations to protect wildlife. Wildlife biologists can specialize in specific animals, ecosystems, or conservation issues.

What does a wildlife biologist do?

Wildlife biology is the study of animals in their natural habitat. A wildlife biologist, also called a zoologist, conducts studies to understand animal populations in their natural habitat. They keep records, organize and present findings, and run experiments. Wildlife biologists may also work for governments or animal advocacy groups, making recommendations for policies and advocating for habitat protections. Wildlife biologists may get to interact with animals to identify their needs, so this is one of the top jobs for animal lovers.

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

To thrive as a Wildlife Biologist, you need a strong background in ecology, biology, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Proficiency with GIS software, field research equipment, and data analysis tools is commonly required, along with certifications like HAZWOPER or wildlife handling permits. Excellent observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication help you collaborate effectively and present findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for conducting accurate research, informing conservation efforts, and ensuring the protection of wildlife habitats.

What are some common challenges wildlife biologists face when working in the field?

Wildlife biologists often encounter unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and remote locations during fieldwork, which can make data collection physically demanding. Additionally, they may need to adapt their schedules to the habits of studied species, sometimes working early mornings, late nights, or extended periods away from home. Collaboration with landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations is also essential, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills to balance research goals with stakeholder interests.

What is the difference between Wildlife Biologist vs Conservation Scientist?

AspectWildlife BiologistConservation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, ecology, or related field; often requires fieldwork experienceBachelor's or higher in environmental science, ecology, or related; may require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, research labs, or officesFieldwork, policy work, and research in natural and protected areas
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, research institutions, environmental organizationsGovernment agencies, NGOs, consulting firms, research institutions

Wildlife Biologists focus on studying animals and their habitats through field research and data collection. Conservation Scientists work on developing and implementing strategies to protect natural resources and wildlife, often combining research with policy and management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but Wildlife Biologists are more research-oriented, while Conservation Scientists emphasize conservation planning and policy.

Are wildlife biologists well paid?

Wildlife biologists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location, but they generally earn a median annual wage around $50,000 to $70,000. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as GIS or ecological modeling, can earn higher salaries, especially with additional certifications or field experience.

How hard is it to find a job as a wildlife biologist?

Finding a job as a wildlife biologist can be competitive due to limited positions and high demand, especially in government agencies and research institutions. Success often depends on relevant education, field experience, and skills in data collection and analysis, with many roles requiring a master's degree or higher.

What careers do wildlife biologists have?

Wildlife biologists can pursue careers in research, conservation, environmental education, and wildlife management. They often work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, or private consulting firms, using skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and ecological monitoring.
More about Wildlife Biologist jobs

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What states have the most Wildlife Biologist jobs?

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Wildlife Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,173 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Wildlife Biologist

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort Bliss, TX • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

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.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 alone--no 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/Employment Type: OTHER

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