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Wildlife Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Hydrologic Technician

Lansing, MI · On-site +1

$45K - $65K/yr

S. Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Midcontinent Region, Upper Midwest Water Science ... wildlife encounters, and hazardous conditions such as ice or flooding, or exposure to irritant or ...

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

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

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 ...

$16.75 - $21.25/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 ...

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

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 - $20.25/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 ...

$17.25 - $21.75/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 ...

$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 ...

$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 17, 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 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 jobs allow you to work with wildlife in wildlife science?

Jobs in wildlife science include wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, wildlife technician, park ranger, and ecological researcher. These roles often involve fieldwork, data collection, and habitat management, requiring skills in species identification, data analysis, and sometimes specialized certifications or permits. They are typically based in outdoor environments such as national parks, research stations, or conservation organizations.

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 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 wildlife science degree?

A wildlife science degree prepares individuals for careers such as wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, park ranger, or environmental consultant. These roles often involve fieldwork, data collection, and habitat management, requiring knowledge of ecology, species identification, and sometimes certifications like GIS or CPR. Graduates can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, or private companies focused on conservation and environmental protection.

What is the best wildlife science career?

A wildlife science career often involves roles such as wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, or ecological researcher, focusing on studying and protecting animal populations and habitats. Success in this field typically requires a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field, along with skills in data collection, fieldwork, and environmental analysis.
Infographic showing various Wildlife Science job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,318 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Okemos, MI • On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 292 rated public sector bodies


Job description

If selected, you will be responsible for planning, developing, organizing, and administering complex operational and technical assistance programs designed to efficiently, effectively, and safely reduce wildlife damage that adversely impacts agricultural interests, human health and safety, property, and natural resources. This position is multi-jurisdictional and primarily spans several districts within a State/Territory or a combination of states, which includes supervising a large staff.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:
  1. 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; and
    • At 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
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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Evaluating and developing staff members, addressing performance problems, managing workforce staffing needs for overtime and temporary duty (TDY) assignments.
  • Assisting with program policy development, including processes and procedures that improve operations, resulting in greater efficiency and effective application of regulations for wildlife damage management operations.
  • Managing wildlife damage management program administration, involving large-scale resources, a high degree of logistical planning, and multiple funding sources, monitoring contracts.
  • Gaining cooperation from, exchanging information, applying regulations, and resolving problematic issues with industry representatives relative to wildlife damage management requirements.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

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

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