Wildlife Biologist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Madison (WI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS Wildlife Services seeks a Staff Wildlife Biologist to plan and manage NEPA, ESA, and MBTA compliance. The role involves developing NEPA documents, evaluating wildlife damage, and coordinating with Federal and State agencies to support program directives.

The position requires a biological sciences background with wildlife, zoology, and plant science coursework, plus experience or education as outlined in the qualifications.

Qualifications

• Biological science degree with wildlife coursework (mammalogy, ornithology, wildlife management).
• At least 12 semester hours in zoology (general zoology, genetics, ecology, etc.).
• At least 9 semester hours in botany or related plant sciences.

Responsibilities

• Independently plans, develops, and manages complex administrative or mission-related projects statewide, regionally, or nationally.
• Develops, monitors, editing, maintenance, and renewal of NEPA documents.
• Monitors NEPA take thresholds and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations related to wildlife damage management.
• Compiles and evaluates data on damage or hazards for NEPA/ESA/MBTA documents and reports.
• Supports national NEPA efforts by providing information and review on request.
• Coordinates with Federal and State agencies for NEPA, ESA, MBTA consultations.
• Maintains Administrative and Project Records for NEPA, ESA, MBTA processes.
• Provides biological guidance to reduce wildlife damage efficiently with supervisor.

Skills

GIS experience

GPS experience

NEPA knowledge

MBTA familiarity

ESA knowledge

Education

Biological science degree with wildlife coursework

Zoology coursework

Botany / plant science coursework

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary: This position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS) program. You will serve as a Staff Wildlife Biologist within the USDA, APHIS, WS and performs assignments involving National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) compliance.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological science that included: At Least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research 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 the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:

• Experience monitoring program directives, and local, State, and Federal laws and regulations in wildlife damage management activities.
• Experience providing technical assistance to a variety of cooperators.
• Experience writing, reviewing, and editing administrative documents, such as NEPA documents.
• Experience using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies, and web-based systems for data entry and administrative processes.
• OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management or closely related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

• Independently plans, develops, and manages multiple complex administrative or mission-related projects statewide, regionally, or nationally.
• Primarily responsible for development, monitoring, editing, maintenance, and renewal of the work unit’s NEPA documents.
• Takes initiative to monitor and ensure compliance with annual NEPA take thresholds and Federal, State, and local regulations concerning WDM and program directives.
• Compiles and evaluates data on damage or hazards caused by various wildlife species for use in NEPA and ESA documents, MBTA permitting processes, and other documents and reports.
• Supports national NEPA efforts through provision of information and review, upon request.
• Coordinates with appropriate Federal and State agencies with respect to consultations relevant to the NEPA, ESA, and MBTA process.
• Develops and maintains required Administrative and Project Records for NEPA, ESA, and MBTA processes and ongoing projects.
• Works directly with the supervisor to develop, plan, and administratively provide biological guidance designed to efficiently and effectively reduce wildlife damage.

Position Start Date

09/24/2026

Position Close Date

09/30/2026

Salary Offered

61722 - 80243 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response