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Wildlife Guard information

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$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife guard jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife guard 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wildlife Guard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildlife Guard, you need a solid background in environmental science, wildlife management, and conservation practices, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with GPS devices, remote cameras, and data entry systems is typically required for monitoring wildlife and reporting incidents. Strong observational skills, physical fitness, and effective communication help Wildlife Guards respond to emergencies and engage with the public or fellow team members. These skills are vital for protecting wildlife, ensuring safety, and supporting conservation efforts in often challenging outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges Wildlife Guards face in the field and how are they addressed?

Wildlife Guards often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, harsh weather conditions, and remote work locations. Addressing these challenges requires strong situational awareness, adherence to safety protocols, and effective use of communication equipment. Many organizations provide regular training on wildlife handling, emergency response, and teamwork, ensuring that guards are well-prepared to handle incidents safely and efficiently. Collaboration with researchers, park rangers, and local communities is also common to enhance conservation efforts and manage human-wildlife interactions.

What are Wildlife Guards?

Wildlife Guards are professionals responsible for protecting wildlife and natural habitats from threats such as poaching, illegal logging, and habitat destruction. They often patrol protected areas like national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries to monitor animal populations, prevent illegal activities, and ensure ecosystem health. Wildlife Guards also assist in educating the public about conservation efforts and may be involved in wildlife rescue operations. Their work is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting conservation initiatives.

What is the difference between Wildlife Guard vs Wildlife Conservation Officer?

AspectWildlife GuardWildlife Conservation Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes certifications in wildlife managementSimilar credentials; often requires additional training or certifications in conservation
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, parks, protected areasFieldwork in natural habitats, offices, and community outreach
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, parks, wildlife reservesGovernment agencies, NGOs, conservation organizations
Job FocusPatrolling, enforcing wildlife laws, protecting animalsConservation planning, habitat management, policy enforcement

Wildlife Guards primarily focus on patrolling protected areas and enforcing wildlife laws, while Wildlife Conservation Officers have broader roles including habitat management and conservation planning. Both roles require similar credentials and work in natural environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Wildlife Guard jobs
What job categories do people searching Wildlife Guard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wildlife Guard jobs are:
Wildlife Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Guard job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, 72% 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.

TPWD - Seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician (Wildlife Pineywoods Ecosystem Project Technician)

Texas Parks & Wildlife

Nacogdoches, TX

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

  
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

  • Job Title

  • Dates of employment (month/year)

  • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

  • Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement.  Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. 

  • Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

  • College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) if education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting. A copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview. 

  • Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

  • Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

  • Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

 

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Army

68T, 64A

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Navy

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Coast Guard

MST, OAR15, SEI18

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Marine Corps

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Air Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: 

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

  • Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

  • Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

  • Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

HIRING CONTACT: Daniel Price, (936) 569-8547, Email: daniel.price@tpwd.texas.gov

This position will start during the month of September, contact the hiring supervisor with questions.

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Pineywoods Ecosystem Project, 8096 FM 2782, Nacogdoches, TX 75964

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Pineywoods Ecosystem Project Leader, this position performs routine (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work. Responsible for assisting with habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, equipment maintenance, grounds keeping, public use, and research on the Sam Houston National Forest, Alabama Creek, and Blue Elbow Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) within the Pineywoods Ecosystem Project.  This position will work closely with the Wildlife Biologist and Wildlife Technician at the New Waverly office complex. Work involves the collection of biological data and assisting with wildlife research projects as assigned.  Main emphasis will be on the management of wildlife habitat and maintaining and repairing infrastructure/complex equipment needed for research, habitat management or maintenance activities.  Assists with public hunting and other public use programs on assigned area where applicable.  Provides wildlife management information to hunters, land managers, other user groups and the general public.  Works under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

NOTE: Current TPWD Fish & Wildlife Technicians may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

FWT IA - no experience as a TPWD Wildlife Division seasonal.

FWT IB - one season of experience as a TPWD Wildlife Division seasonal.

FWT IC - two seasons of experience as a TPWD Wildlife Division seasonal.

Licensure:

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid State driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Experience as a TPWD Wildlife Division seasonal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of wildlife, range, farming, and livestock practices.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Skill in operating common farming and ranching machinery and heavy equipment to include: dozers, skid steers, farm tractors, shredders, discs, aerators, backhoes, chainsaws, et al.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in using hand and power tools and other mechanical equipment.

Skill in repairing and maintaining specialized equipment such as boats, vehicles, farm equipment, mowers, trailers and small engines.

Ability to perform grounds maintenance activities such as mowing and weed eating.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and organize assigned work activities.

Ability to observe and record biological data.

Ability to meet and deal effectively with the public, landowners, and co-workers.

Ability to maintain accurate records, comply with purchasing documentation, and prepare written correspondence.

Ability to assist with management, research and conducting public hunts for extended periods of time.

Ability to operate, repair, and maintain specialized equipment, such as boats, Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs), All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), farm equipment, vehicles, mowers, trailers and small engines.

Ability to perform basic welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, fencing, mechanical, and road maintenance tasks.

Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and mechanical equipment.

Ability to operate a GPS and GIS (ArcMap).

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Ability to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Ability to conduct activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Required to work on holidays, weekends, and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as necessary.

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.

Required to operate heavy equipment and farm machinery.

Required to perform work in wet unstable soils and muddy conditions.

Required to work in areas with heavy extreme insect infestation.

Required to work in remote field locations.

Required to travel 35% with possible overnight stays.

Bunkhouse lodging is available.

May be required to operate State vehicle.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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