Wildlife Inspectors

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 $1 billion. They stop illegal shipments, intercept smuggled wildlife and wildlife products, and help the United States fulfill its commitment to global wildlife conservation.

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. Inspectors clear legal imports and export, 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.

If you are interested in becoming a wildlife inspector, you can click the following link for additional information from our National Law Enforcement page. You can also access Federal job vacancies by going online with USAjobs.