Wildlife Biologist Jobs
Wildlife Biologist jobs are open across federal and state agencies, environmental consulting firms, universities, and nonprofits, from entry-level field technician roles to senior research scientist and program manager positions, with specializations in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and population dynamics. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 33+ Wildlife Biologist jobs
Job Description
TPWD MISSION
To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
HIRING CONTACT: Derrick Wolter, 512-944-0107, derrick.wolter@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Wildlife Field Operations - District 8, 901 Pecan Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the DISTRICT 8 LEADER, this position is responsible for performing the professional planning and implementation of natural resource management, monitoring, and research duties associated with wildlife and habitat resources in Bastrop and Caldwell counties within the Post Oak Savannah ecological region of the Southern Blackland Prairie Wildlife District. Provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers, sportsmen, and new constituencies. Develops comprehensive wildlife management plans for private landowners upon request. Disseminates information to the general public through news releases, radio/TV interviews, program presentations, and other public outreach and educational opportunities. Performs administrative duties and prepares technical reports, popular articles, and professional journal publications. Responsible in assigned area for public relations and educational/extension efforts to involve private citizens and organizations in support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) programs. Identifies public hunting and non-consumptive use opportunities on public and private lands. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.
NOTE: Natural Resources Specialist (NRS) I salary will be commensurate with experience and/or completion of an advanced degree. Current TPWD NRS I-III employees may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate. Career Ladder progression is available dependent upon business need.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree preferably in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management. Major coursework from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree programs must include a minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods.
Experience:
NRS I: No experience required.
NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.
NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.
Licensure:
Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid State driver's license.
Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II (FFT II) certification.
NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license and certification.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFT II moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less) OR the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less).
NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Education:
NRS I-II-III: Current Associate Wildlife Biologist certification OR current Certified Wildlife Biologist certification issued by the Wildlife Society may substitute for the required minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree program.
Experience:
NRS II and III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for one year of the required experience.
NRS II and III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
Experience with grazing regimes utilized for domestic livestock.
Experience working with rural landowners.
Experience with big game management.
Experience working with nongame, threatened, and/or endangered species.
Licensure:
Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
NRS I-III:
Knowledge of the basic life history, ecology and management needs of wildlife species and their habitats indigenous to the ecological region with particular emphasis relating to private lands.
Knowledge of general farm and ranching practices and their impacts on wildlife species and their habitats.
Knowledge of wildlife and habitat inventory and monitoring techniques for the ecological region.
NRS I:
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in using statistical analysis programs.
Skill in operating GIS/GPS systems and other mobile applications.
Skill in collecting scientific data.
Skill in coordinating with the public, universities, department personnel, and other governmental agencies.
Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations.
NRS II: Skills of NRS I; PLUS:
Skill in collecting and analyzing scientific data.
Skill in applying common habitat enhancement techniques.
Skill in conducting conservation outreach programs.
Skill in developing comprehensive wildlife management plans for cooperators in the ecological region.
Skill in plant identification.
NRS III: Skills of NRS II; PLUS:
Skill in supervising projects as assigned.
Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.
Skill in communicating with the general public and agency staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife, and habitat issues.
Skill in research planning and design.
Skill in identifying and developing potential solutions to resource related issues.
NRS I:
Ability to apply common habitat enhancement techniques.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to conduct conservation outreach programs.
Ability to operate field equipment such as tractors, shredders, ATVs, etc.
Ability to communicate with the general public and agency staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife, and habitat issues.
Ability to identify important wildlife plants.
Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.
Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS II: Abilities of NRS I; PLUS:
Ability to supervise projects as assigned.
Ability to understand the planning process.
Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.
Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS III: Abilities of NRS II; PLUS:
Ability to apply advanced habitat enhancement techniques.
Ability to train others.
Ability to participate in local, regional, and statewide conservation planning efforts.
Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.
Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.
May be required to operate State vehicle.
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
PLEASE NOTE:
All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:
- Job title,
- Employer name,
- Dates of employment (month/year),
- If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
- Description of duties performed.
NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.
IMPORTANT:
- College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
- 'N/A' may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
- Omission of required information may result in disqualification.
Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:
- WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
- To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway.
- If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the 'Create a Résumé' link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website.
If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.
MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:
If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.
Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:
Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).
Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.
Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.
Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.
- More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:
https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf
TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Job Description
TPWD MISSION
To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
HIRING CONTACT: Derrick Wolter, 512-944-0107, derrick.wolter@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Wildlife Field Operations - District 8, 901 Pecan Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the DISTRICT 8 LEADER, this position is responsible for performing the professional planning and implementation of natural resource management, monitoring, and research duties associated with wildlife and habitat resources in Bastrop and Caldwell counties within the Post Oak Savannah ecological region of the Southern Blackland Prairie Wildlife District. Provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers, sportsmen, and new constituencies. Develops comprehensive wildlife management plans for private landowners upon request. Disseminates information to the general public through news releases, radio/TV interviews, program presentations, and other public outreach and educational opportunities. Performs administrative duties and prepares technical reports, popular articles, and professional journal publications. Responsible in assigned area for public relations and educational/extension efforts to involve private citizens and organizations in support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) programs. Identifies public hunting and non-consumptive use opportunities on public and private lands. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.
NOTE: Natural Resources Specialist (NRS) I salary will be commensurate with experience and/or completion of an advanced degree. Current TPWD NRS I-III employees may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate. Career Ladder progression is available dependent upon business need.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree preferably in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management. Major coursework from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree programs must include a minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods.
Experience:
NRS I: No experience required.
NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.
NRS III: Six years of relevant experience.
Licensure:
Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid State driver's license.
Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II (FFT II) certification.
NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license and certification.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFT II moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less) OR the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less).
NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Education:
NRS I-II-III: Current Associate Wildlife Biologist certification OR current Certified Wildlife Biologist certification issued by the Wildlife Society may substitute for the required minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree program.
Experience:
NRS II and III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for one year of the required experience.
NRS II and III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
Experience with grazing regimes utilized for domestic livestock.
Experience working with rural landowners.
Experience with big game management.
Experience working with nongame, threatened, and/or endangered species.
Licensure:
Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
NRS I-III:
Knowledge of the basic life history, ecology and management needs of wildlife species and their habitats indigenous to the ecological region with particular emphasis relating to private lands.
Knowledge of general farm and ranching practices and their impacts on wildlife species and their habitats.
Knowledge of wildlife and habitat inventory and monitoring techniques for the ecological region.
NRS I:
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in using statistical analysis programs.
Skill in operating GIS/GPS systems and other mobile applications.
Skill in collecting scientific data.
Skill in coordinating with the public, universities, department personnel, and other governmental agencies.
Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations.
NRS II: Skills of NRS I; PLUS:
Skill in collecting and analyzing scientific data.
Skill in applying common habitat enhancement techniques.
Skill in conducting conservation outreach programs.
Skill in developing comprehensive wildlife management plans for cooperators in the ecological region.
Skill in plant identification.
NRS III: Skills of NRS II; PLUS:
Skill in supervising projects as assigned.
Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others.
Skill in communicating with the general public and agency staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife, and habitat issues.
Skill in research planning and design.
Skill in identifying and developing potential solutions to resource related issues.
NRS I:
Ability to apply common habitat enhancement techniques.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to conduct conservation outreach programs.
Ability to operate field equipment such as tractors, shredders, ATVs, etc.
Ability to communicate with the general public and agency staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife, and habitat issues.
Ability to identify important wildlife plants.
Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.
Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS II: Abilities of NRS I; PLUS:
Ability to supervise projects as assigned.
Ability to understand the planning process.
Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.
Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS III: Abilities of NRS II; PLUS:
Ability to apply advanced habitat enhancement techniques.
Ability to train others.
Ability to participate in local, regional, and statewide conservation planning efforts.
Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.
Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.
May be required to operate State vehicle.
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
PLEASE NOTE:
All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:
- Job title,
- Employer name,
- Dates of employment (month/year),
- If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
- Description of duties performed.
NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.
IMPORTANT:
- College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
- 'N/A' may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
- Omission of required information may result in disqualification.
Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:
- WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
- To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway.
- If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the 'Create a Résumé' link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website.
If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.
EXCELLENT BENEFITS:
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.
MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE:
If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.
Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference:
Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).
Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.
Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.
Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.
- More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:
https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf
TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
See All 33 Wildlife Biologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Wildlife Biologist JobsWildlife Biologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in wildlife biologist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a closely related natural science field
- Experience conducting field surveys using standard protocols such as point counts, transects, or mark-recapture methods
- Proficiency in ArcGIS or equivalent GIS software for spatial data collection and analysis
- Familiarity with statistical analysis tools such as R or Program MARK for population and habitat modeling
- Valid driver's license and ability to work in remote or physically demanding outdoor environments
- Knowledge of federal and state wildlife regulations, including Endangered Species Act compliance and permit requirements
Tips for Your Wildlife Biologist Job Search
Quantify field survey contributions specifically
List the species, habitats, and survey methods you've used rather than general fieldwork experience. Employers scanning resumes for a raptor monitoring contract want to see point counts, mist netting, or telemetry, not just 'conducted wildlife surveys.'
Highlight GIS and modeling software by name
Name the exact platforms you've worked in: ArcGIS Pro, R, Program MARK, Distance Sampling, or MaxEnt. Many wildlife biologist postings filter candidates by software proficiency, and vague mentions of 'spatial analysis' won't clear that bar.
Target postings by agency mission and species focus
Federal land management agencies, state fish and wildlife departments, and conservation nonprofits each hire for very different species guilds and project types. Match your application materials to the focal taxa and regulatory context each employer works in.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists wildlife biologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for technical protocol questions in interviews
Interviewers routinely ask you to walk through a specific survey design or data collection protocol you've run. Prepare two or three examples that show your reasoning for method selection, not just that you followed instructions someone else wrote.
Negotiate start dates around permit and field season timing
Many wildlife biologist positions are tied to breeding or migration seasons, so a delayed start can cost a full project cycle. If you're negotiating, ask explicitly whether the role has a hard field-season constraint and align your availability to it.
Wildlife Biologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most wildlife biologists?
The most active employers for wildlife biologists right now are Pheasants Forever, State of South Carolina, and TRC, and the most openings are in California, Texas, and Kentucky, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to cluster around federal land management agencies, state wildlife agencies, and environmental consulting firms working on infrastructure and energy projects.
How many wildlife biologist jobs are remote?
About 18% of wildlife biologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how field-dependent most roles are. The sub-areas most likely to support remote or hybrid arrangements are data analysis, species distribution modeling, report writing, and grant administration rather than field survey or monitoring positions.
How do you become a wildlife biologist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or a related natural science. Build field experience through internships, volunteer technician positions, or seasonal roles with agencies or conservation organizations. Developing proficiency in GIS and statistical software strengthens your candidacy considerably. A master's degree is often required for research-focused or senior regulatory positions, so assess whether the roles you're targeting expect it.
Can you get hired as a wildlife biologist with little experience?
Entry-level wildlife biologist roles do exist, but most require at least some documented field experience beyond coursework. Seasonal technician positions, volunteer wildlife surveys, and university research assistant roles all count. Tailor your resume to show the specific protocols and species you've worked with, even from academic projects, since employers want evidence you can function safely and productively in the field from day one.
What does the wildlife biologist interview process look like?
Most wildlife biologist interviews include a phone or video screen followed by a structured in-person or panel interview. Expect technical questions about survey methodology, species identification, and data analysis approaches alongside behavioral questions about fieldwork safety and teamwork. Some agencies require a written exercise or ask you to present a past project. Federal and state government positions often use standardized question sets scored by a panel.
Where can I find and apply to wildlife biologist jobs?
You can find and apply to wildlife biologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your species focus, geographic preference, and experience level, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 33 Wildlife Biologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Wildlife Biologist Jobs