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Wildlife Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chloeta

Wildlife Project Manager

Asheville, NC · On-site

Develop and review wildlife management and habitat improvement plans to ensure regulatory compliance * Oversee project budgets, funding allocations, and annual program of work * Coordinate project ...

Son

Fish & Wildlife Biologist II

Norfolk, NE · On-site

$25.57/hr

Administer, coordinate and implement the management of 17 State Wildlife Management Areas within the assigned area. Coordinate and administer area related contractual services, agricultural leases ...

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Wildlife Management information

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How much do wildlife management jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife management in the United States is $21.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wildlife management?

Wildlife management is the practice of preserving, protecting, and regulating wildlife populations and their habitats. It involves scientific research, habitat restoration, population monitoring, and the development of policies to ensure the sustainability of animal species and ecosystems. Professionals in this field work to balance the needs of wildlife with those of humans, often addressing issues such as conservation, hunting regulations, and wildlife-related conflicts. Effective wildlife management helps maintain biodiversity and supports healthy ecosystems.

What are wildlife management jobs?

There are a variety of jobs in the wildlife management field. There is a large call for biologists who study marine life, fisheries, wildlife, habitat restoration, endangered species, and more. Managers and technicians for hatcheries, zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries are essential. Wildlife officers play a crucial role by enforcing the laws set into place for conservation. Water and environmental specialists are other jobs that entail having specific in-depth knowledge. International and exotic wildlife specialists also have a role to play, and park rangers fall in the category of wildlife management jobs. Many jobs are part of government agencies, but jobs at individual centers and private foundations also exist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in wildlife management, and why are they important?

To thrive in Wildlife Management, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, and conservation science, often supported by a related degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help professionals collaborate with stakeholders and address complex environmental challenges. These skills are crucial for effective wildlife conservation, habitat management, and ensuring ecological balance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildlife management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in wildlife management often encounter challenges such as balancing conservation goals with human activities, managing conflicts between wildlife and local communities, and adapting to changing environmental conditions. Addressing these challenges usually involves collaborating closely with government agencies, researchers, and the public to develop sustainable management plans. Effective communication, ongoing education, and staying updated with the latest research and technology are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Wildlife Management vs Wildlife Conservationist?

AspectWildlife ManagementWildlife Conservationist
CredentialsBiology degrees, certifications in wildlife managementBiology or environmental science degrees, conservation certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, parks, wildlife agenciesResearch centers, NGOs, government agencies
Employer & IndustryWildlife agencies, parks, forestry departmentsConservation organizations, NGOs, government agencies

Wildlife Management focuses on maintaining healthy wildlife populations through habitat management, population control, and resource allocation. Wildlife Conservationists aim to protect species and habitats through research, advocacy, and policy. While both roles involve working with wildlife, Management emphasizes population control and habitat maintenance, whereas Conservation emphasizes species protection and environmental advocacy.

Do wildlife management professionals make good money?

Wildlife management professionals typically earn a median annual salary that varies by region and experience, with entry-level positions often paying around $40,000 to $50,000 and experienced roles reaching $70,000 or more. Salaries can increase with advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized skills such as habitat analysis or conservation planning. The job often involves fieldwork, environmental monitoring, and collaboration with government agencies or conservation organizations.

Is a degree in wildlife management worth it?

A degree in wildlife management provides foundational knowledge in ecology, conservation, and resource management, which are essential for careers in the field. It can improve job prospects and eligibility for positions that require specialized skills, though practical experience and certifications like GIS or habitat management are also valuable. Overall, it is considered worthwhile for those committed to working in wildlife conservation and management roles.

What are some careers in wildlife management?

Careers in wildlife management include wildlife biologists, conservation officers, habitat managers, and environmental educators. These roles often require knowledge of ecology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in environmental science or biology. Professionals in this field work to protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats through research, policy, and management practices.
More about Wildlife Management jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Management jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Management job openings:

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

The most popular types of Wildlife Management jobs are:

What states have the most Wildlife Management jobs?

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

Wildlife Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Management job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,859 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Wildlife Management Specialist

Russell, IA • On-site

Pheasants Forever Inc
Environmental Consulting Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Pheasants Forever Incexternal

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Work Location:
Iowa DNR Rathbun Wildlife Unit (Lucas County)
28248 415th Street, Russell, IA 50238
Application deadline: September 6, 2026
Salary: $17.00 per hour
Typical Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - 40 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: 2-4 weeks post successful job offer
End Date: One year from start date
JOB DESCRIPTION: This role is designed to provide foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance and technical skills, and wildlife surveys. The PF Wildlife Management Specialist will work with other wildlife unit personnel and be under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. This position will assist with performing a variety of maintenance and technical tasks at the wildlife management unit. The employee is expected to efficiently display a high level of initiative and commitment towards completing assignments. Overnight travel will occasionally be required on special projects outside of the assigned unit counties. Watch this video to see a day in the role of a Wildlife Management Specialist.
Examples of typical job duties may include:
  • Perform wildlife habitat management activities including: Wetland management, prairie management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
  • Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes. This duty will require fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities. Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions. Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed.
  • Wildlife Surveys & Monitoring including: Waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, august roadside surveys, chronic wasting disease sampling, etc. Collecting of biological data occasionally will require early or late in the day work scheduling.
  • General area maintenance involving mowing, sign posting, fence building, fence removal, tree/brush control, noxious weed control etc. These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment; drills, saws, hand tools, chain saws, trimmers, small mowers etc.
  • Special assignments may require some overnight travel as part of a crew, to accomplish large scale fence removal, fence building or tree removal projects outside of the assigned unit counties. These assignments will require the ability to work well with others, work out of doors under all types of weather conditions, and to withstand physically demanding work, i.e., lifting, bending and hauling.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field.
  • Passion for conservation and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsible behavior, attention to detail, and the capacity to work with minimal supervision.
  • Display professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with strong initiative, effort, and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.
  • Able to travel on overnight duties and work on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
  • Must have a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
  • Able to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT BENEFITS:
  • Proven pathway to full-time careers - this position has a strong track record of placement into full-time permanent roles with DNR, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation organizations.
  • Build valuable, hands-on technical skills while working alongside experienced DNR professionals.
  • Grow your professional network and form lasting connections across the conservation field.
  • Gain real-world, outdoor experience doing meaningful, on-the-ground conservation work.
  • Experience a unique dual-agency role, with opportunities to engage in trainings, collaboration, and annual staff meetings with both DNR and Pheasants Forever.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE:
Pheasants Forever offers a competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Package information can be found here: Employee Benefit Summary pdf
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter including which locations you are interested in, resume and three references into one Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess or be able to acquire a pesticide applicator's license and S130-190 basic firefighter training certification, special requirements shall be met within 90 days of hire if not currently possessed. Successful applicant will also be encouraged to obtain Iowa DNR chainsaw safety certification and first aid & bloodborne pathogen training.
If you have additional questions, please contact Nick Baumgarten, SE District Supervisor, at 712-330-6932, or [email protected].
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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