Wildlife Biologist

Overview

Join the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as a Staff Wildlife Biologist based in Fort Collins, Colorado. This role involves implementing key environmental and wildlife protection laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The position serves as a lead for collecting and assessing data related to wildlife damage management, including handling national and regional information requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and managing project and program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently plan, develop, and oversee multiple complex administrative and mission-focused projects at the state, regional, or national level.
• Lead the development, review, upkeep, and renewal of NEPA documentation within the work unit.
• Ensure compliance with annual NEPA take limits and relevant federal, state, and local wildlife damage management regulations and policies.
• Collect and analyze data on wildlife-caused damage or hazards for use in NEPA, ESA, and MBTA permitting and related reporting.
• Support national NEPA initiatives by providing information and conducting document reviews when requested.
• Maintain thorough administrative and project records associated with NEPA, ESA, and MBTA processes.
• Collaborate with federal and state agencies on consultations related to wildlife regulatory processes.
• Work with supervisors to develop biological guidance aimed at effective wildlife damage reduction.
• Identify opportunities for research or development studies and may participate in field testing of new wildlife damage management materials or methods.

Qualifications

Applicants must fulfill both the education and specialized experience requirements by the closing date of the announcement. The basic educational requirement involves a degree in biological sciences with specified coursework in wildlife subjects, zoology, and botany or related plant sciences. Combinations of education and experience that align equivalently are also accepted.

Specialized experience for GS-9 level requires one year of experience (equivalent to GS-7 level) demonstrating skills such as applying wildlife damage management techniques, interpreting wildlife laws, and using GIS and web-based systems for data collection and analysis, or alternatively, two years of progressively advanced graduate education in wildlife biology or related fields can qualify.

Official transcripts are required when qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience.

Employment Details

• Position start date: July 31, 2026
• Application deadline: August 6, 2026
• Salary range: $64,438 to $89,470 per year
• Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
• Type: Full-time, on-site

Additional Information

The USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs division requires dedicated professionals committed to supporting domestic and global agricultural markets, animal health, and plant care. Employees may be asked to participate in emergency response assignments during their careers.

Volunteer experience counts towards qualifying experience. The agency offers opportunities for growth and impactful work in wildlife and environmental management.