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Wildlife Biologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Laukoa

On-Call Field Biologist

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Conduct botanical, wildlife, pre-construction surveys for nesting birds, and/or wetland delineations with at least one other biologist across a variety of diverse terrains and weather conditions.

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langan

Senior Biologist or Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

Job Responsibilities * Assist with plant and wildlife surveys for habitat assessments, special ... Provide biological monitoring and oversight for construction projects, restoration implementation ...

langan

Senior Biologist or Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

Job Responsibilities * Assist with plant and wildlife surveys for habitat assessments, special ... Provide biological monitoring and oversight for construction projects, restoration implementation ...

ATCC

Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Biologist. This onsite position in Manassas, VA supports laboratory activities within ATCC ...

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ATCC

Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Biologist. This onsite position in Manassas, VA supports laboratory activities within ATCC ...

Cape Fox SS

Biologist

Rockville, MD

Cape Fox Facilities Services is seeking a Biologist to join our team in Bethesda, MD in support of the NIH. Responsibilities: Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook 3 Insectary Facility ...

Cape Fox Corporation

Biologist

Rockville, MD · On-site

Job Title Biologist Cape Fox Facilities Services is seeking a Biologist to join our team in Bethesda, MD in support of the NIH. Responsibilities: * Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook ...

Kimley-Horn

Environmental Science Intern

Reston, VA

$29 - $30/hr

... wildlife biology, water resources, geographic information systems, and environmental science. * Some travel and fieldwork may be required (approximately 10-30%). * In the process of receiving a ...

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All JobsWildlife Biologist JobsWildlife Biologist Jobs in Reston, VA

Wildlife Biologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$23.4K

$63.6K

$109.8K

How much do wildlife biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife biologist in Reston, VA is $63,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,300.00 and $72,300.00 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

What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Biologist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Wildlife Biologist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Wildlife Biologist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Wildlife Biologist job openings:

Wildlife Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Biologist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,642 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Washington, DC

$121K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

144th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is ranked within the top 5 mid-size agencies as a "Best Place to Work" in the Federal government! This WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST position is located in the Office of Energy Projects. For more information visit: Office of Energy Projects (OEP) | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.Qualifications:

You must meet the qualification (experience and/or education) requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To view the eligibility and qualification requirements of a WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, GS-0486, please visit: Wildlife Biology Series, 0486 | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

In addition to the education required for this position, you must have one full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is defined as: Preparing documents that assess complex wildlife-related issues related to existing or proposed infrastructure projects, at least one of which must be in a water environment.

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 any volunteer experience.

Please do not cut and paste the "Duties" section, specialized experience statement, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

Education:

This position has an education requirement and therefore, transcripts are required. Failure to submit a copy of your transcripts at the time of application will result in your application being marked incomplete and you will not receive further consideration.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

Employment Type: OTHER

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