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.
- Where do Wildlife Inspectors Work?
- What do Wildlife Inspectors do?
- How do I become a Wildlife Inspector?
- Are there any special requirements?
- What opportunities exist for training and career advancement?
- 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.