How Can I Get a Job Working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Entry Level Positions
At this time, entry level positions in professional series are filled
through the register maintained by the Office of Personnel Management
(OPM). For information about job opportunities or positions and any
tests required, you should contact the OPM Central Office, 1900 E Street,
NW, Washington, DC 20415 or visit OPM. Locations of area OPM offices are listed
in the telephone directory (under U.S. Government). Qualified candidates
for openings are referred to the Service from OPM's register, screened
by personnel officers at the Washington or Regional Office levels, and
ultimately reviewed by the selecting official from the appropriate division.
Internship and Seasonal Employment Opportunities
Opportunities for internships and seasonal employment at units of the National Wildlife Refuge System occur throughout the country. There is no central registry or list of these opportunities. These types of opportunities vary as to length of time and duties. If you are interested in an internship or seasonal position, you should contact the Fish and Wildlife Service offices in those areas where you would like to work. Check the Refuge Managers' Address List for refuge addresses.
Vacancy Announcements
Check the FWS Job Search Web site to find out what positions are currently available within the Fish and Wildlife Service, or go to USA Jobs to find out about available federal jobs nationwide.
CAREER INFORMATION
What are the educational requirements to get a job working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Positions as Biologists and Managers
The two primary classifications for biologists and resource managers
in the Refuge System are wildlife biologist and refuge manager. The
basic requirement is a bachelor's degree with a major in biology or
a combination of education and experience equivalent to a degree. Specific
requirements include 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester
hours in zoological subjects and 9 semester hours in botany or the related
plant sciences. For positions as research biologists, an additional
15 semester hours are required in the physical or mathematical sciences;
graduate degrees are preferred.
Other Resource Management Related Positions
A wide range of other resource management positions such as outdoor recreation
planner, forester, fisheries biologist, law enforcement officers and
others generally require a bachelor's degree in the appropriate major
or a combination of education and experience.
Other Types of Positions
The Refuge System employs a wide range of personnel as technicians
(forestry aide, biological technician, etc.), office administrator (clerical,
budget officer, etc.), and trade and craft specialists (mechanic, heavy
equipment operator, etc.). The specific requirements vary with the specific
types of positions.
Where can I find a list of universities and colleges that offer degrees in environmental sciences and natural resources management?
High school counselors, guidance offices and libraries often have publications with lists of various colleges and universities showing the various degree programs that they offer. The Conservation Directory published by the National Wildlife Federation lists colleges and universities in the United States and Canada that offer degrees in natural resources management. In most states, the land grant colleges offer programs in natural resources management.
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