Wildlife Inspector

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Burlingame (CA); Remote; USD 50,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a Wildlife Inspector at GS‑1801‑7/9/11/12 to enforce federal laws related to wildlife import, export, and interstate transport.

The role provides frontline enforcement at ports of entry and advances the agency's mission to protect wildlife resources. At the full‑performance level GS‑12, the inspector leads interdiction efforts, conducts inspections, supports cases, and contributes to training and outreach across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Leading interdiction and inspection activities at ports of entry to detect and counter wildlife trafficking.
• Conducting inspections and investigations of wildlife shipments and travelers, identifying high‑risk activity, collaborating with partner agencies, and supporting the lawful flow of wildlife trade through informed compliance efforts.
• Serving as a technical expert and liaison, supporting civil and criminal cases, sharing information with domestic and international partners, completing special projects, and preparing reports and presentations.
• Delivering training and outreach to inspectors, partners, and the public, and providing leadership and mentorship to strengthen Wildlife Inspection Program capabilities.

Job description

• Hiring Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Wildlife Inspector, GS-1801-7/9/11/12, serves under Region 9, Office of Law Enforcement, conducting complex inspections and enforcing federal laws on the import, export, and interstate transport of wildlife and wildlife products. The position ensures regulatory compliance, identifies violations, and supports efforts to prevent unlawful wildlife trade.

Key Responsibilities

The Field Senior Wildlife Inspector serves as a frontline enforcement officer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement, protecting wildlife resources by detecting and deterring illegal wildlife trade. As a technical expert at assigned ports of entry, the position conducts complex inspections, leads interdiction activities, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and international wildlife protection laws.

Working across cargo facilities, passenger terminals, warehouses, and other port environments, the inspector applies advanced biological and analytical expertise to regulate legal wildlife trade and counter trafficking efforts. Duties are developmental when filled below the full-performance level.

At the full-performance level GS-12, the duties include but are not limited to:

• Leading interdiction and inspection activities at ports of entry to detect and counter wildlife trafficking, applying expertise in species identification, risk assessment, and data analysis.
• Conducting inspections and investigations of wildlife shipments and travelers, identifying high-risk activity, collaborating with partner agencies, and supporting the lawful flow of wildlife trade through informed compliance efforts.
• Serving as a technical expert and liaison, supporting civil and criminal cases, sharing information with domestic and international partners, completing special projects, and preparing reports and presentations.
• Delivering training and outreach to inspectors, partners, and the public, and providing leadership and mentorship to strengthen Wildlife Inspection Program capabilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including conducting inspections in varied and hazardous environments, preparing investigative findings and recommendations, and coordinating with experts and regional counterparts to enhance inspection operations.

Physical Demands: This position requires performing physical inspections that may involve pushing, pulling, lifting, and moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, as well as working with live animals and animal products that present significant safety hazards.

Wildlife Inspectors may encounter bites, scratches, and potentially dangerous envenomation from reptiles and invertebrates, and may be exposed to various communicable diseases, and hazardous chemicals used on wildlife products. Strict adherence to safety procedures is required, including use and maintenance of protective equipment and completion of required safety training.

Work Environment: Administrative work is performed in an office setting; however, inspections occur at warehouses, container stations, passenger terminals, quarantine facilities, and other locations throughout the port of entry, sometimes many miles apart. Frequent or extended travel for special staffing assignments may be required, including work at non-designated ports of entry, and assisting Special Agents with executing search warrants.

Medical Surveillance Program: Position is subject to enrollment and ongoing participation in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Medical Surveillance Program in accordance with 242 FW 4 and 5 CFR Part 339. Incumbents must complete periodic medical surveillance examinations due to potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and communicable diseases encountered during inspection and interdiction activities.

Work Schedule: Position may require working at a fixed workstation or at multiple stations/work sites under established, rotating, or other work schedules (i.e., evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work). Foreign Language: Some duty stations may require applicants to demonstrate basic to fluent proficiency in a foreign language (speaking, reading, and writing) to support interactions with local communities and trade partners.

While foreign language proficiency is not required, the following languages may be beneficial at certain locations: Spanish – El Paso, TX; Houston, TX; Miami, FL Chamorro or Tagalog – Agana, Guam Hawaiian or Tagalog/Ilocano – Honolulu, HI Language skills are optional, will not affect qualification or rating, and will not be assessed.

Requirements & Education

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.

For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $50460 – $116362/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-20.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-18 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov