1

Wildlife Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildlife Management, Habitat, Access, and Wildlife Conflict Prevention. Program staff in Helena develops program priorities in conjunction with Regional staff in seven administrative regions, who ...

Showing results 41-60

Wildlife Management information

See salary details

$16

$21

$31

How much do wildlife management jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 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 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.

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 wildlife biologists, park rangers, and conservation officers. While a degree can improve job prospects and earning potential, practical experience and certifications such as GIS or habitat management are also valuable in this field.

What do you do in wildlife management?

Wildlife management involves monitoring and conserving animal populations and their habitats, often through activities like habitat restoration, population control, and research. Professionals in this field may use tools such as GPS collars and require knowledge of ecology, biology, and relevant regulations. The work is typically conducted outdoors and may require certifications or licenses depending on the region and specific tasks.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Wildlife Management job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,859 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

$78K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 290 rated public sector bodies


Job description

If selected, you will be responsible for project and program delivery, management, and administration with minimal supervision. The work is primarily concerned with wildlife damage management (WDM) operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species in urban, suburban, and rural environments.
Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: - 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; andAt 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.
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 the basic requirement applicants must also possess:
FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Has coordinated and performed aerial wildlife damage management projects while representing the program in communications with other organizations and parties.
  • Wildlife damage technical procedures such as animal capture, restraint, marking, and transport, to be able to train others.
  • Modified or revised standard techniques for wildlife damage management operations, to include recommendation of areas for potential research.
OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:
Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER

What USDA Forest Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom