Wildlife Habitat Lead & GIS Scientist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Smyrna (DE); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) seeks a seasoned wildlife biologist to manage a large refuge complex, overseeing habitat projects across coastal, estuarine, salt marsh and upland areas.

You will develop monitoring plans, secure funding, coordinate with partners, use GIS for data mapping, and provide technical guidance to junior staff and volunteers. This role emphasizes field leadership, data-driven decisions, and collaboration to advance refuge priorities.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological science with wildlife specialization and zoology coursework.
• Three years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward a Ph.D. for advanced qualification.
• For GS-12, one year of specialized experience at GS-11 level including wildlife habitat management and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Manages and leads the biological work of a National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
• Develops habitat and monitoring plans and secures funding.
• Coordinates with partners on wildlife projects and funding.
• Uses GIS and data systems to prepare defensible reports and maps.
• Leads junior staff and volunteers with quality assurance of work.

Skills

Wildlife management

Data analysis

GIS

Team leadership

Report writing

Education

Biological science degree with wildlife specialization

Graduate studies toward Ph.D. in wildlife biology

Tools

GIS software

Data management systems

Job description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) seeks a seasoned wildlife biologist to manage a large refuge complex, overseeing habitat projects across coastal, estuarine, salt marsh and upland areas.

You will develop monitoring plans, secure funding, coordinate with partners, use GIS for data mapping, and provide technical guidance to junior staff and volunteers. This role emphasizes field leadership, data-driven decisions, and collaboration to advance refuge priorities.