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Wildlife Refuge Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildlife Refuge Manager information

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How much do wildlife refuge manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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.

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 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.
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:
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 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,268 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

$106K - $138K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 8 days ago


U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

619th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
This position serves as the Wildlife Refuge Manager for Guam National Wildlife Refuge in Yigo, Guam, providing leadership and direction for refuge operations. Responsibilities include overseeing staff, habitat and wildlife management, conservation programs, public use, land acquisition, facilities, budgeting, and regulatory compliance while coordinating with diverse partners to advance conservation goals.
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rate of 11.88% is authorized.
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Duties
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Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
  • Oversee and administer refuge land, wildlife, and aquatic conservation activities.
  • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with other federal, state, and local government entities, native Pacific islander groups, NGOs and other special interest groups with emphasis on conservation projects.
  • Supervise a multifaceted team of professional, technical, analytical and administrative support staff, setting a team attitude of adhering to high professional standards and completion of accurate, high-quality work related to compliance.
  • Formulate, develop and implement long-range plans, strategies, and refuge policy associated with all operations, projects, fiscal requirements, personnel and property management, etc.
  • Communicate with internal and external audiences by conducting formal and informal presentations, leading meetings, providing training, facilitating refuge tours, and representing the refuge at public and partner events to explain refuge management objectives, conservation initiatives, and Service policies.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • A financial disclosure report will be required within 30 days of appointment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/13/2026-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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Basic Educational Requirement AND/OR Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.
Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:
A. 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. You must submit transcripts.
-OR-
B. Combination of education and 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 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.
To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess 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: 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 land for the purpose of providing critical habitat for fish and wildlife; 2) Applying wildlife biology, ecology, and/or habitat management procedures and policies to be implemented and conducted in field operations; 3) Assist with development of long and short term management plans; 4) leading a staff of professional and nonprofessional personnel; and 5) Delivering formal and informal presentations, conducting training, leading meetings, facilitating refuge or program tours, or representing an organization before partners, community groups, or the public. 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 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-qualifications
Additional information
PCS authorized: Discretionary benefits may be provided excluding contractor-provided home sale.
Telework authorized: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Related Non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630).
All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior.
Physical and Working Conditions: This position involves significant physical activity, including navigating rugged, uneven terrain and performing frequent bending, crouching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors, with outdoor duties exposing the incumbent to extreme heat and biting insects. Throughout all tasks, safe and orderly conduct is required to protect oneself, colleagues, and property.
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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.
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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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