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Wildlife Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Wetland Scientist

West Olive, MI · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Join a collaborative team ... Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks. Your Capabilities and Credentials The ...

Lead Wetland Scientist

Lansing, MI · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Join a collaborative team ... Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks. Your Capabilities and Credentials The ...

Lead Wetland Scientist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Join a collaborative team ... Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks. Your Capabilities and Credentials The ...

Lead Wetland Scientist

Detroit, MI · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Join a collaborative team ... Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks. Your Capabilities and Credentials The ...

Lead Wetland Scientist

Brighton, MI · On-site

$73K - $105K/yr

Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Join a collaborative team ... Possible wildlife surveys and ecological restoration tasks. Your Capabilities and Credentials The ...

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Information we will be capturing will include Icelandic culture, history, geography, geology, wildlife, natural resources, economy, health care, religion, tourism impacts and more. Interns will ...

$16.50 - $21/hr

Information we will be capturing will include Icelandic culture, history, geography, geology, wildlife, natural resources, economy, health care, religion, tourism impacts and more. Interns will ...

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Information we will be capturing will include Icelandic culture, history, geography, geology, wildlife, natural resources, economy, health care, religion, tourism impacts and more. Interns will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Wildlife Science information

See Michigan salary details

$19.6K

$53.3K

$92K

How much do wildlife science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife science in Michigan is $53,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wildlife science?

Wildlife science is the study of wild animals and their habitats, focusing on understanding their behavior, ecology, population dynamics, and interactions with the environment. Professionals in this field work to conserve biodiversity, manage wildlife populations, and address human-wildlife conflicts. They often conduct research, monitor species, and develop conservation strategies to ensure the health and sustainability of wildlife and ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildlife scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildlife Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, and environmental science, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in wildlife science or a related field. Competence with geographic information systems (GIS), statistical analysis software, and field research equipment is typically required. Strong observation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you excel in data collection, research, and public outreach. These abilities are essential for conducting meaningful research, informing conservation decisions, and effectively collaborating with stakeholders.

What are some common challenges wildlife scientists face when conducting field research, and how are these typically addressed?

Wildlife scientists often encounter challenges such as working in remote or harsh environments, unpredictable weather, and limited access to resources while conducting field research. They address these obstacles by thorough planning, using specialized equipment, and collaborating closely with local teams and experts. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as research plans may need to change quickly in response to animal behavior or environmental conditions. Additionally, maintaining clear communication with colleagues and stakeholders helps ensure safety and the successful collection of data.

What can you do with a degree in wildlife science?

A degree in wildlife science prepares individuals for careers such as wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, park ranger, or environmental consultant. These roles often involve field research, habitat management, data collection, and environmental education, requiring skills in species identification, data analysis, and sometimes certifications like GIS or CPR. Employment can be found with government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private consulting firms.

What careers work with wildlife?

Wildlife science careers include roles such as wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, wildlife rehabilitators, and park rangers. These professionals study, protect, and manage animal populations and their habitats, often requiring fieldwork, research skills, and knowledge of ecology and environmental policies.

What is the best wildlife science career?

A career in wildlife science often includes roles such as wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, or ecological researcher. These positions typically require a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field, along with skills in data collection, fieldwork, and environmental analysis. The most suitable career depends on individual interests, specialization, and opportunities for advancement in conservation, research, or policy work.
Infographic showing various Wildlife Science job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,318 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Supervisory Fish Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Alpena, MI • On-site, Remote

$125K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 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

625th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
This position is located within the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, located at either Alpena, Michigan, or Trenton, MI
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Duties
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As the Project Leader/Field Office Supervisor for the Alpena FWCO, incumbent exercises line and management responsibility of office to protect and conserve fish and wildlife resources through habitat conservation and restoration activities, actions related to aquatic invasive species, and coordination of projects that are of national and regional importance. Incumbent provides technical and policy guidance to subordinate staff and serves as a key advisor to the Regional Management Team on federal trust fish and wildlife issues. Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for coordination, consultation and technical services to Federal and State agencies, Congressional delegations, nongovernmental organizations, Tribal governments, and other public agencies.
  • Oversee the Alpena, MI and Trenton, MI office staff providing day to day guidance and direction.
  • Provide leadership for the Fisheries Program on various Great Lakes focused restoration efforts.
  • Participate with the Regional Fisheries Program as member of the Fisheries Regional Management Team to develop fish and wildlife resource policies and programs.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • 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.

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.
This is a supervisory position that may require completion of a supervisory probationary period.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/04/2026-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.
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following Basic Educational Requirement and Specialized Experience Requirement below.
Basic Educational Requirement:
A. Possess a degree in biological science that included (a) at least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; AND (b) at least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.) -OR-
B. Possess a combination of education and experience that included courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in above, PLUS appropriate experience or additional education. This combination of education and experience is comparable to successful completion of a full 4-year course of study as described above.
Specialized Experience Requirement: Possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service performing the following duties: planning and leading fishery field operations; preparing and administering budgets; supervising a large staff and handling personnel matters; and developing and maintaining cooperative partnerships with a wide range of partners. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.
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
Entitlements for payment of basic moving expenses, as required and to the extent allowed by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 302-3.101, are authorized for eligible applicants changing duty station when the change meets the distance tests as provided in FTR 302-1.1 and 302-2.6. All moving expenses are taxable. In addition, relocation discretionary entitlements May be authorized for this position excluding contractor-provided home sale.
Situational telework is authorized with Supervisor approval.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
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.
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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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