LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Wildlife Inspectors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are the Nation's front-line defense against the illegal wildlife trade -- a criminal enterprise that threatens species worldwide. These professional import-export control officers ensure that wildlife shipments comply with U.S. and international wildlife protection laws. 

Stationed at the Nation's major international airports, ocean ports, and border crossings, Wildlife Inspectors monitor an annual trade worth more than $2.8 billion. They stop illegal shipments, intercept smuggled wildlife and wildlife products, and help the United States fulfill its commitment to global wildlife conservation.

1. Where do Wildlife Inspectors Work?
2. What do Wildlife Inspectors do?
3. How do I become a Wildlife Inspector?
4. Are there any special requirements?
5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
6. What benefits do Wildlife Inspectors earn?

1. Where do Wildlife Inspectors Work?

By law, most commercial wildlife shipments come through 17 ">designated ports" - Anchorage, Alaska; Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York/Newark, New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; and Seattle, Washington. The Service operates wildlife inspection offices in these cities. Wildlife Inspectors also staff 14 locations along the Mexican and Canadian borders and five additional ports that handle specific types of wildlife traffic.

2. What do Wildlife Inspectors do?

The United States is one of the world's largest markets for wildlife and wildlife products. High-volume "live" traffic includes exotic reptiles, tropical fish, and primates. Manufactured products (such as boots, shoes, purses, jewelry, caviar, and meats) and less "processed" wildlife items (such as hunting trophies, feathers, furs, skins, raw coral, and shells) are also common.

Wildlife Inspectors must understand and enforce a range of U. S. and international laws, regulations, and treaties that protect wildlife and limit commercial traffic in endangered animals and plants. They must be able to identify thousands of different species, both live and as "parts" or products.

Wildlife Inspectors clear legal imports and exports and stop shipments that violate the law. They make sure that wildlife imports and exports are accompanied by the required permits and licenses, and verify that the contents of shipments match the items listed on declaration forms. They pay special attention to live wildlife, checking to see that animals in transit are treated humanely.

Although Wildlife Inspectors spend most of their time processing commercial cargo shipments, they also keep tabs on international passenger traffic. Unwary travelers all too often return from abroad with illegal wildlife souvenirs. Many smuggling rings use human couriers; inspectors find protected animals hidden in clothing and stuffed in suitcases and handbags.

Wildlife Inspectors work closely with Service Special Agents and counterparts from Customs and Border Protection and other Federal agencies that police international trade. They staff special enforcement task forces that conduct inspection blitzes at international mail processing facilities, or target specific enforcement problems, such as the import and sale of medicinal products made from endangered species.

Outreach is also an important part of the job. Wildlife Inspectors meet with customs brokers, trade associations, international travelers, and hunters going abroad to explain wildlife import/export rules and regulations. They are popular guest speakers at schools, nature centers, community conservation programs, and environmental fairs.

3. How do I become a Wildlife Inspector?

Wildlife Inspector jobs are announced by the Office of Personnel Management on the USAJobs website. Wildlife Inspectors typically join the Service at the GS-5, 7, or 9 level, depending on their education and experience. Knowledge of wildlife taxonomy and zoology is especially helpful. A background in criminal justice, communication skills, and computer literacy are also useful.

4. Are there any special requirements?

Like other Federal employees, Wildlife Inspectors must be U.S. citizens.  Appointees may need to complete a background investigation.  Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or that they are exempt from doing so.

Wildlife Inspectors work in airport cargo facilities, passenger terminals, dock warehouses, and border check stations. They must be comfortable handling live animals and fit enough to lift heavy cartons and cases. Wildlife Inspectors wear uniforms while on duty. Some inspections require protective clothing and special safety equipment. Because international trade is an around-the-clock business, Wildlife Inspectors sometimes work on weekends or at night. They must have a valid state driver's license and be able to operate a government-owned car, van, or pickup truck.  Annual financial disclosure reports may be required. 

5. What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?

All new Wildlife Inspectors complete an eight-week basic training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, and receive on-the-job instruction and guidance. Annual "in-service" training programs give seasoned Wildlife Inspectors a chance to enhance job skills and review regulatory and procedural changes.

Career ladders for Wildlife Inspectors in the field reach the GS-11 level; GS-12 supervisory positions are available at some ports. Law enforcement headquarters staff include GS 12 and 13 Senior Wildlife Inspectors who advise Service management on wildlife inspection policies and issues. Wildlife Inspectors have opportunities to work on special enforcement task forces and complete short-term assignments in the headquarters office.

6. What benefits do Wildlife Inspectors earn?

Wildlife Inspectors participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System, but do not receive enhanced law enforcement retirement benefits.  Inspectors receive overtime pay, night differential pay, Sunday pay and holiday pay when appropriate. Inspectors earn 13 to 26 days of annual leave each year depending on how long they have been employed.  Benefits also include 13 days of paid sick leave per year; 10 paid Federal holidays; basic life insurance and low-cost options for additional coverage; a free yearly physical examination; and opportunities to participate in a variety of reasonably priced health insurance plans and purchase low-cost dental, vision and long-term care insurance.

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