POSITION TITLE: wildlife biologist
Hiring Organization/Employer: USDA
Application Deadline: June 10, 2026
Education Required: none
Location: Richmond or Norfolk, VA
Description:
13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits,
Excepted Service (may be extended up to 4 years)
Conducts integrated wildlife damage management activities where needed to prevent or reduce
losses to property, agriculture, and natural resources, or to protect human health and safety.
Performs a variety of technical procedures including capture, restraint, chemical immobilization,
marking, transport, euthanasia, and/or necropsy of wildlife.
Modifies or adapts established damage or disease control techniques as necessary to meet local
conditions and environmental, economic, or political considerations.
Monitors and ensures compliance with program directives, and local, State, and Federal laws and
regulations in wildlife damage management activities.
Develops and maintains categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, monitoring reports, and
other documents required by NEPA.
Gathers, compiles, evaluates, and presents data on damage or hazards caused by various wildlife
species to cooperators, stakeholders, and colleagues.
Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other Federal, State, county and city
government agencies, Tribes, corporations, etc.
Communicates safe and effective damage management techniques through outreach and other
channels to the general public.
Other duties as assigned.
Compensation & Benefits:
$64,475 – 83,822 (Richmond location) per year
$62,640 – 81,436 (Norfolk location) per year
Preferred Qualifications:
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
A. 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:
B. 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.
In addition to the above, applicants must have:
FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience
(equivalent to the GS-07 level) and the following:
• Designing a wildlife survey program that detects spatial and temporal differences in
wildlife abundance and provides a suitable index of conflicts with wildlife at
airports.
• Interpreting and applying policies, regulations, laws, and ordinances that affect wildlife
damage management operations and working within those guidelines.
• Using GPS, GIS 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 in wildlife
biology, wildlife management, wildlife ecology or masters or equivalent graduate degree in one
of the above mentioned fields.
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.
• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited
school, college, or university.
• Must obtain or have a valid state driver’s license. Operation of Government-owned or
leased vehicles is required.
• As a condition of employment, appropriate security clearance is required for this position.
• Position is subject to random and applicant drug testing.
• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor
vehicles, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal
payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E
Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https: //www.e-verify.gov/
• In order to perform the essential duties of this position, you must have the legal and physical
ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background
check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms. A background check
will include answering questions about where you’ve lived, worked, went to school, and any
military history or police records. Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a
successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check).
• Occasional travel may be required
• Initial trial period may be required
How to Apply:
Additional materials not listed above (i.e. position descriptions, training
certificates, etc.) may not be considered. Applicants who do not submit the required items listed
above may not be considered. Applications with all supporting documents must be submitted to the
contact office and must be RECEIVED by the CLOSING DATE of this announcement.
Interested individuals should send a resume (cannot exceed two pages), transcripts, veteran
documentation (if applicable) to the address listed below:
Contact:
Jennifer Cromwell
Assistant State Director
USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services
PO Box 130
Moseley, VA 23120
804-739-7739
Jennifer.S.Cromwell@usda.gov