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Wildlife Forensics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston SPCA

Veterinarian

Houston, TX

$120K - $160K/yr

Wildlife patients * Farm animals * Cruelty and neglect cases * Occasional exotic species Our modern ... forensic documentation, and expert testimony * Serve as an ambassador for Houston SPCA and its ...

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How much do wildlife forensics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife forensics in the United States is $23.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a wildlife forensic?

To become a wildlife forensic scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, forensic science, or a related field is required, often followed by specialized training or a master's degree. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in forensic analysis, and understanding wildlife laws and conservation issues are important steps in this career path.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Wildlife Forensics position, and why are they important?

To excel in Wildlife Forensics, you need expertise in biology, genetics, and analytical laboratory techniques, often supported by a degree in forensic science, wildlife biology, or a related field. Familiarity with DNA analysis, microscopy, chain-of-custody protocols, and case management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication elevate performance in this field. These skills ensure accurate identification of wildlife specimens, uphold legal standards, and help support investigations into wildlife crimes.

What is a Wildlife Forensics job?

A Wildlife Forensics job involves using scientific techniques to investigate crimes involving wildlife. This can include identifying species from evidence, determining the cause of death, and linking suspects to illegal activities such as poaching or wildlife trafficking. Specialists in this field work with law enforcement, conservation agencies, and laboratories to analyze biological samples like DNA, bones, and hair. Their work helps protect endangered species and ensure legal action against wildlife crimes.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Wildlife Forensics professional?

Wildlife Forensics professionals commonly spend their days collecting, examining, and analyzing specimens such as fur, feathers, bones, or tissues to identify species and origins. They meticulously document findings, maintain evidence integrity, and prepare detailed reports to support legal cases against wildlife crimes. Team collaboration is frequent, working alongside law enforcement agencies, conservationists, and legal professionals to build strong cases. Fieldwork to gather samples and laboratory time are both crucial parts of the role, offering a blend of hands-on and analytical tasks for those passionate about wildlife protection.

What is the highest paid forensic science field?

In forensic science, forensic toxicology and forensic pathology tend to be among the highest paid specialties, often due to the advanced skills and certifications required. Forensic toxicologists and pathologists typically work in laboratories or medical examiner offices and can earn higher salaries compared to other forensic roles, especially with experience and specialized training.

How much does an animal forensic scientist make?

Animal forensic scientists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in DNA analysis and forensic techniques may offer higher salaries.

What is the highest paying job in wildlife?

In wildlife forensics, the highest paying roles are often senior forensic scientists, wildlife crime investigators, or forensic laboratory managers, with salaries exceeding $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience and location. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized training, and experience with forensic tools and legal processes.
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Wildlife Forensics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Forensics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, and 87% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,268 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Forensic Research Scientist (Scientist/Engineer III LCAT)

Forensic Research Scientist (Scientist/Engineer III LCAT)

FedWriters, Inc.

Gaithersburg, MD • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview

If you're a forensic science professional who wants your research to directly shape national standards, this is the opportunity to take notice of. As a key technical and programmatic support resource for NIST's Special Programs Office (SPO) and its Forensic Science Research Program (FSRP), you'll apply your subject-matter expertise to help document current forensic science practices and strengthen the standards that guide the criminal justice, public safety, and homeland security communities. From facilitating process mapping working groups to auditing standards on the OSAC Registry for gaps in guidance, your work will directly inform how forensic science disciplines like firearms, crime scene, and DNA analysis are practiced and validated nationwide. Whether you're developing interactive process maps, briefing NIST FSRP leadership, or identifying where AI-based tools could strengthen forensic workflows, every deliverable you produce supports a mission that protects public trust in forensic science.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET with travel required. 

Responsibilities
  • Providing data visualization and facilitation support for virtual process map working group meetings across the firearms, crime scene, and DNA disciplines, using tools such as MS Visio or LucidChart
  • Scheduling and conducting virtual meetings using NIST-approved platforms (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom), including developing meeting agendas and summaries
  • Drafting and editing MS PowerPoint presentations on process mapping activities, and presenting findings at professional meetings
  • Supporting the NIST FSRP Subject Matter Expert (SME) in developing a plan to use process maps as auditing tools for standards and best practices on the OSAC Registry, with a focus on auditing firearms process maps
  • Participating in process mapping and audit meetings and documenting process steps that are missing or incomplete in published standards and best practices
  • Maintaining project status in a project tracking tool (e.g., Excel or MS Project) and presenting updates at weekly virtual meetings with the NIST FSRP SME
  • Reviewing process map steps across multiple forensic disciplines (e.g., fire investigation, seized drugs, human forensic DNA analysis, footwear and tire examination, firearms, friction ridge, handwriting, crime scene, wildlife forensics) to identify critical steps that could benefit from AI-based tools, and documenting findings in a structured table
  • Preparing and delivering oral briefings and recommendations on process mapping activities at weekly status meetings
  • Developing monthly progress reports (MPRs) detailing accomplishments, planned activities, resource expenditures, issues encountered, and schedule variances
  • Maintaining a literature and terms database using a NIST-furnished reference management tool (EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley)
  • Ensuring all deliverables are grammatically and technically correct, and appropriate for a mixed audience of Federal, State, and Local Government and industry/academia stakeholders
  • Traveling as needed (approximately two trips, each up to one week) to support project meetings and professional conferences
Qualifications

Required: 

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to forensic science, OR a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in a forensic science-related field
  • Knowledge of research in forensic science and specialized experience addressing issues within the forensic sciences
  • Record of noteworthy publications, invited talks, or contributions to the field of forensic sciences
  • Experience as a principal contributor to complex technical efforts, including working group settings
  • Experience providing technical editing support and facilitating process mapping exercises
  • Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint
  • Proficiency in at least one process mapping tool: MS Visio or LucidChart
  • Proficiency in at least one reference management tool: EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley

Desired: 

  • Direct subject-matter experience in firearms, crime scene, or DNA analysis disciplines
  • Prior experience supporting NIST, OSAC, or other standards-development organizations
  • Experience presenting at national forensic science conferences (e.g., AAFS)
  • Familiarity with the OSAC Registry and published forensic science process maps
Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Pay Range

$100,000 - $145,000 annually 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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