Wildlife Biologists

The scientists who study wildlife for the USGS work at many locations throughout the United States and its territories. Through cooperative programs with many State governments and other Federal agencies, the Division’s employees fulfill its mission of providing the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of our Nation’s biological resources. This is accomplished through the conduct of basic and applied research in the field and at laboratories.

Wildlife biology is a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of wild animals and their habitats. Research and technical investigations are performed by scientists educated in wildlife biology, zoology, botany, chemistry, mathematics, or various combinations of these disciplines. Their official professional career title is "Wildlife Biologist."

Qualifications for Wildlife Biologists

Basic qualifications for the wildlife biologist series, GS-486, in nonresearch positions includes a degree in the biological sciences with: at least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, wildlife techniques, or related courses in the field of wildlife biology; and at least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and at least 9 semester hours in botany or related plant sciences. Candidates may also meet the basic requirements at all grade levels with a combination of experience and course work as described above.

For research positions, a degree with a major in wildlife biology, zoology, or botany that includes at least 30 semester hours in course work in biological science and 15 semester hours in the physical, mathematical, and earth sciences. This course work must include at least 9 semester hours of training applicable to wildlife biology in such subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, principles of population dynamics, or related course work in the field of wildlife biology; and at least 12 semester hours in zoological subjects such as invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy of the vertebrates, embryology, animal physiology, entomology, herpetology, parasitology, and genetics; and at least 9 semester hours in the field of botany and related plant science; and at least 15 semester hours in any combination of two or more of chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, soils, and/or geology. Candidates who meet the basic requirements will also qualify at the GS-7 level if they meet the criteria for Superior Academic Achievement*. Otherwise, applicants for positions at the GS-7 level and above must have additional professional experience or directly related graduate education.

The USGS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, or any other non-merit factors.

*Superior Academic Achievement requires: membership in a national scholastic honorary society above the freshman level; or standing in the upper third of the class; or an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher; or a GPA of 3.5 or higher for all the work in the major as computed on 4 years of education or during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

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