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.