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Wildlife Refuge Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

$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 ...

Internships | Texas A&M University Kingsville

$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 ...

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE

$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 ...

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How much do wildlife refuge manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

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Wildlife Refuge Manager jobs near you
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.

Wildlife Refuge Manager

US Department of the Interior

Ilwaco, WA • On-site

$119K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

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

417th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Manager with US Fish and Wildlife Service in Ilwaco, Washington. The Wildlife Refuge Manager will lead the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, overseeing its management and administration. The position applies expertise in fish, wildlife, and land management to guide staff, address complex resource and operational challenges, and develop solutions to environmental issues involving competing priorities, laws, and policies.Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/10/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, 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.
In order to qualify for this position, you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
  • Degree: A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in 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; 3 semester hours in botany; and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
  • A combination of education and experience: A combination of education from an accredited college or university and specialized experience - courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described in A above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in wildlife courses such as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; 3 semester hours in botany; and 3 semester hours in conservation biology plus appropriate experience or additional education. You must include hours worked per week and transcripts.

-AND-
Minimum Qualification [GS-13]
At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience that may include: Developing wildlife biology, ecology, and/or habitat management procedures and policies to be implemented and conducted in field station operations; reviewing and ensuring effectiveness of natural resource agency/organization management programs, i.e., public use, law enforcement, facilities and administration; reviewing wildlife management and conservation plans to ensure management and biological soundness; and supervising staff conducting habitat conservation, maintenance, law enforcement or public use programs.
You must include hours per week worked.

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 does not allow substituting education for experience.
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.
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. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER

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