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Wildlife Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$106K - $138K/yr

Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. * Males born after 12 ... Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 ...

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Wildlife Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do wildlife investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlife investigator?

A Wildlife Investigator is a law enforcement professional who investigates crimes related to wildlife, such as poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction. They gather evidence, conduct surveillance, and work with agencies to enforce wildlife protection laws. Their role is crucial in preventing illegal activities that threaten endangered species and ecosystems. Wildlife Investigators may work for government agencies, conservation organizations, or law enforcement units. The job often involves fieldwork in remote areas, interviewing suspects, and preparing cases for prosecution.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a wildlife investigator?

To thrive as a Wildlife Investigator, you need a strong background in biology, environmental science, or criminology, often supported by relevant degrees or law enforcement training. Familiarity with forensic analysis tools, GPS and GIS technology, and evidence collection procedures is typically required, along with certifications in wildlife law enforcement or investigation. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for building cases and interacting with a variety of stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for accurately investigating wildlife crimes, protecting natural resources, and ensuring enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

What are some common challenges wildlife investigators face on the job?

Wildlife Investigators often encounter challenges such as working in remote or rugged environments, gathering evidence in difficult field conditions, and navigating complex legal regulations around wildlife protection. They may need to coordinate with multiple agencies and sometimes confront individuals involved in illegal activities, which requires thorough preparation and sound judgment. Additionally, balancing investigative work with public outreach or educational responsibilities can be demanding. However, these challenges are balanced by the rewarding impact of contributing to wildlife conservation and the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills in law enforcement, science, and fieldwork.

More about Wildlife Investigator jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Investigator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife Investigator jobs?

The most popular types of Wildlife Investigator jobs are:

What states have the most Wildlife Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildlife Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Wildlife Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Wildlife Biologist

Fort Bliss, TX • On-site, Remote


United States Army Installation Management Command
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Learn new skills


$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary
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.
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Duties
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  • Manages the development and implementation of wildlife management policies and programs in accordance with the Fort Bliss Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and applicable regulations.
  • Perform surveys for the presence, abundance, trends, and interactions of local wildlife populations.
  • Serve as wildlife expert to provide advice and technical assistance on habitat management matters to other Installation Divisions, contractors, and higher headquarters personnel.
  • Develop contract scopes of work for baseline data acquisition, impact investigation, compliance documentation, mitigation, and repair.
  • Evaluate real and potential effects of current and proposed activities on wildlife and their habitats to ensure compliance with regulations and minimize/eliminate adverse impacts on the environment.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires pre-employment Financial Disclosure Statement OGE Form 450 and annually thereafter in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7-R.
  • This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.

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 aloneno 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/
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change or Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the government interest.
  • Recruitment relocation incentives may be authorized.
  • Student loan repayment may be authorized.
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for Determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate may be authorized.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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