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Wildlife Refuge Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$106K/yr

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager for the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Midway Atoll is an isolated, remote field site with 30-50 residents comprised of FWS employees, volunteers ...

$106K/yr

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager for the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Midway Atoll is an isolated, remote field site with 30-50 residents comprised of FWS employees, volunteers ...

$16 - $20.45/hr

The selected will work independently and with others to accomplish refuge work plans to manage native habitats and wildlife to achieve the purpose of the refuge which is to provide critical wetland ...

... wildlife populations and harvest methods. The RIT will then communicate these concerns, questions, interests, traditional uses, and historical perspectives to the Refuge Manager to enable the Refuge ...

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Wildlife Refuge Manager information

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$11

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$47

How much do wildlife refuge manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife refuge manager 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.

What does a wildlife refuge manager do?

A Wildlife Refuge Manager oversees the operation and management of wildlife refuges, which are protected areas established to conserve habitats for wildlife. Their responsibilities include developing and implementing conservation plans, monitoring wildlife populations, coordinating habitat restoration, enforcing regulations, and engaging with the public through educational programs. They often work with scientists, law enforcement, and volunteers to ensure the refuge fulfills its mission of protecting biodiversity. Additionally, they may oversee budgets, staff, and maintenance of refuge facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildlife refuge manager?

To thrive as a Wildlife Refuge Manager, you need expertise in wildlife biology, habitat management, and conservation, usually supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, regulatory compliance systems, and environmental monitoring tools is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help manage staff, engage stakeholders, and resolve conflicts. These skills are crucial for ensuring the protection of natural resources, successful refuge operations, and collaboration with diverse partners.

What are some common challenges faced by wildlife refuge managers in balancing conservation efforts with public access?

Wildlife Refuge Managers often face the challenge of balancing the needs of wildlife conservation with providing opportunities for public recreation and education. They must ensure that habitats are protected and species are not disturbed, while also allowing for activities like hiking, birdwatching, and educational programs. This requires careful planning, ongoing communication with stakeholders, and sometimes enforcing restrictions during sensitive periods such as breeding seasons. Addressing conflicting interests and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations are also key parts of the role.

What is the difference between Wildlife Refuge Manager vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectWildlife Refuge ManagerWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in wildlife management, environmental science, or related field; certifications may include refuge-specific trainingBachelor's or higher in biology, ecology, or related field; advanced degrees often preferred
Work EnvironmentManage wildlife refuges, oversee staff, enforce regulations, and coordinate conservation effortsConduct research, collect data, analyze wildlife populations, and publish findings
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, conservation agencies, NGOsResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting firms

While both roles focus on wildlife conservation, Wildlife Refuge Managers oversee refuge operations and management, whereas Wildlife Biologists primarily conduct research and data analysis. The roles often collaborate but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

More about Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Refuge Manager job openings:

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

The most popular types of Wildlife Refuge jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs?

The top employers for Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Wildlife Refuge Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,268 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

$120K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee operations across the wildlife refuge, including habitat management and wildlife monitoring.

  • Manage remote multi-agency partnerships and coordinate public programs in an isolated environment.

  • Perform facility upkeep of infrastructure, including WWII-era structures and modern administrative buildings.


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
The Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Manager oversees operations across 2.9 million acres in Cold Bay, Alaska. The job requires hands-on administration, habitat and coordination of wildlife monitoring, managing remote multi-agency partnerships, facility upkeep of WWII-era infrastructure along with modern administrative buildings, and supporting public programs in an isolated, demanding environment.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/04/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess, both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:

  1. Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. NOTE: Transcripts required. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: Transcripts are required, and your resume must contain sufficient detail at this level of work, e.g., begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration.

Minimum Qualification [GS-13]
Possess one (1) year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience includes: 1) Planning, administering, evaluating, managing, and/or operating programs, activities, and projects associated with conserving and managing fish and/or wildlife resources on public or private lands; 2) Collaborating with internal and/or external groups on natural resource issues, such as Federal and/or State agencies, tribal governments, environmental groups, recreation groups, or the public; 3) Supervising a team to accomplish tasks and projects in a land conservation setting. . NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient detail of this level of work, i.e., complete begin/end dates, hours worked per week, duties performed, etc. for each timeframe for consideration.

Volunteer Experience: 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, knowledge, and skills 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:

This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER

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