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Wildlife Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chloeta

Wildlife Biologist

Las Cruces, NM · On-site +1

Job Summary The Wildlife Biologist is responsible for the study, management, conservation, and protection of wildlife populations and their habitats. This role involves conducting field surveys ...

Chloeta

Wildlife Technician

Asheville, NC · On-site

Job Summary The Wildlife Technician provides technical support for wildlife management and restoration projects, including data collection, habitat assessment, and field surveys. This role supports ...

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Wildlife information

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$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife in the United States is $64,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wildlife vs Conservation Biologist?

AspectWildlifeConservation Biologist
Required CredentialsBiology degree, fieldwork experienceBiology or environmental science degree, research skills
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, parks, field sitesResearch labs, field sites, policy settings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, parksResearch institutions, NGOs, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on wildlife species and habitatsFocuses on protecting ecosystems and species conservation

Wildlife professionals often work directly with animals and their habitats, conducting field research and monitoring populations. Conservation Biologists focus on developing strategies to protect and restore ecosystems, often combining research with policy advocacy. While both roles aim to preserve nature, Wildlife roles are more species-specific, whereas Conservation Biologists take a broader ecosystem approach.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildlife conservation roles?

Professionals in wildlife conservation often encounter challenges such as working in remote or rugged locations, which can require adaptability and resilience. They may also face unpredictable weather, limited resources, and the need for collaboration with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and researchers. Navigating regulatory requirements, securing funding for projects, and managing human-wildlife conflicts are also frequent aspects of the role. Despite these challenges, the work is highly rewarding for those passionate about protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the wildlife field, high-paying roles such as wildlife conservation executives, senior researchers, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities. These positions are typically found in large organizations, government agencies, or private consulting firms and may involve managing large projects or teams. Compensation at this level is rare and usually reflects significant expertise and impact in the field.

What are wildlife biologists?

Wildlife biologists are scientists who study animals and their habitats in the wild. They collect data on animal populations, behaviors, and ecosystems to understand how species interact with their environments. Their work often involves field research, conservation planning, and advising on policies that protect wildlife and their habitats. Wildlife biologists may work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or research institutions, and their efforts help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the wildlife field, high-paying roles such as wildlife consultants, environmental project managers, or specialized conservation contractors can reach or exceed $10,000 per month, often requiring extensive experience, expertise, or certifications rather than formal degrees. These positions typically involve fieldwork, project oversight, or consulting work in environmental or wildlife management. Success in these roles depends on skills, reputation, and industry connections rather than formal education alone.

What Are Different Types of Wildlife Careers?

Different types of wildlife careers include being a zoologist, wildlife scientist, park ranger, nature preservation security officer, ornithologist, and marine biologist. The duties of these positions vary significantly. For example, nature preservation security staff who patrol a wildlife sanctuary directly confront poachers and help prevent them from violating the security of the park, sometimes using physical force. Zoologists study animals and their natural habitats to collect and analyze data as well as develop reports, papers, and policy recommendations for their preservation. Many wildlife positions include a mix of academic research and administrative responsibilities.

What jobs are there in wildlife?

Wildlife jobs include roles such as wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, park rangers, wildlife rehabilitators, and environmental educators. These positions often require knowledge of ecology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in environmental science or biology.

What is the most paying job in wildlife?

The highest-paying jobs in wildlife typically include wildlife managers, conservation directors, and research scientists, especially those with advanced degrees and specialized skills. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership abilities, and sometimes fieldwork in remote or protected areas, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

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

To thrive as a Wildlife Biologist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, and environmental science, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and field research equipment is essential for collecting and analyzing ecological data. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting research findings. These competencies enable effective wildlife conservation, data-driven decision-making, and successful project outcomes in diverse natural environments.
More about Wildlife jobs
What cities are hiring for Wildlife jobs? Cities with the most Wildlife job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife jobs? The most popular types of Wildlife jobs are:
What states have the most Wildlife jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildlife jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wildlife jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wildlife jobs are:
Wildlife jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

TPWD - Seasonal Fish and Wildlife Technician I (Wildlife Region 5 CWD Technician)

Texas Parks & Wildlife

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

TPWD MISSION

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

  
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities.  Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

  • Job Title

  • Dates of employment (month/year)

  • Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

  • Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement.  Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. 

  • Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

  • College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) if education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting. A copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview. 

  • Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

  • Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

  • Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

 

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Army

68T, 64A

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Navy

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Coast Guard

MST, OAR15, SEI18

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Marine Corps

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Air Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:

https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: 

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.

Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:

  • Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

  • Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

  • Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

  • Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

HIRING CONTACT: Caitlyn Navarro, (830) 348-9946, Email: caitlyn.navarro@tpwd.texas.gov

These positions will start during the month of September, contact the hiring supervisor with questions.

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD Wildlife Region V; The positions will be physically located at a check station in one of the following counties: Medina, Frio, Duval, or Brooks.

The Department is working to provide housing opportunities for these positions, but that is not guaranteed.  An option to work <40 hours per week may be available in certain locations. Contact Hiring Supervisor for questions on specific location or housing.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Regional Wildlife Health Specialist, this position performs routine (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work and is responsible for collecting tissue samples from white-tailed deer, mule deer, and other cervids to be tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD).  Prepares and submits samples to diagnostic laboratory.  Collects other data from harvested deer and other cervids as requested.  May compile reports received from diagnostic laboratory and prepare reports for agency use and dissemination to the public.  Within the counties of the assigned District, position may focus on sample collection from roadkill, taxidermists, processors, cooperating ranches, CWD check stations, and other locations as required.  Work location will be determined by district need, considering selected applicant's work assignment preference.  May travel within the counties of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Wildlife District OR be assigned to a TPWD facility check point.  Works under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

Seasonal FWT I Tier A: No experience required.

Seasonal FWT I Tier B: One season as a CWD Technician.

Seasonal FWT I Tier C: Two seasons as a CWD Technician. 

Licensure:       

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a class "C" Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with or working towards a Bachelor's degree in Biological Science.

Experience:

Experience performing necropsies on deer.

Experience working with hunters.

Experience pulling/hauling trailers.

Experience as a TPWD Wildlife seasonal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of white-tailed deer, mule deer, and other cervids.

Knowledge of chronic wasting disease.

Knowledge of deer anatomy.

Knowledge of deer-necropsy techniques.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.

Skill in providing customer service.

Skill in meeting deadlines.

Skill in making independent, sound, and timely decisions.

Skill in identifying, researching, and compiling information.

Skill in operating and maintaining equipment and specialized tools.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to work under extreme environmental conditions.

Ability to identify cervid species.

Ability to collect tissue samples from dead deer.

Ability to observe and record biological data.

Ability to meet and deal effectively with the hunters, landowners, co-workers, and the general public.

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare written correspondence.

Ability to be an effective and productive team member.

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Ability to observe and record biological data.

Ability to maintain field equipment and facilities.

Ability to learn methods employed in fish and wildlife management.

Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work 40 hours per week from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sunday, and holidays.

Required to work overtime, as necessary.

Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Work location to be determined within TPWD Wildlife Region 5.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.

Required to travel up to 50% with possible overnight stays depending on assigned work location.

Required to operate a state vehicle.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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