Jobs in Wildlife
Job Boards:
On these sites, employers post temporary, full-time, part-time, career, entry-level, and graduate student positions related to wildlife. Volunteer opportunities and internships are listed as well. Job boards are updated frequently with new positions, so remember to check back often.
- Texas A&M Job Board
- The Wildlife Society Career Center
- Society for Conservation Biology Job Board
- The American Fisheries Society Job Board
- Ornithological Societies of North America Jobs
Federal Government Jobs:
Wildlife-related openings in federal agencies (such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service) are all listed on the USAJOBS website. Student and career positions are available.
Note: Positions with the federal government require a different type of resume than other jobs. Resumes are often over one page long and include all previous work experience (including hours worked per week, salary, and contact information of all previous supervisors). For more information, contact the employer or an advisor at your career center.
Federal Student Programs:
Several federal agencies (including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) have a Student Education Employment Program (SEEP) (formerly known as STEP and SCEP) that provides temporary employment/transitional career opportunities for college students.
If a SEEP position is not listed on USAJOBS, you may contact the specific refuge or area that you are interested in to check for openings.
Information on SEEP (formerly SCEP and STEP) from each agency can be found at the links below:
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Natural Resource Conservation Service
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
- U.S. National Park Service
Federal Government Agencies:
U.S. Forest Service:
The U.S. Forest Service has an additional website for temporary jobs. However, it is important to visit the webpage of specific forests you are interested in, as some postings are not listed on the general website.
If you are a student in California, the U.S. Forest Service provides additional resources:
Northern California Consortium | Central California Consortium | Southern California Consortium |
National Park Service:
If you cannot find an opening on USAJOBS, visit individual park web pages to find employment and volunteer opportunities. Example: http://www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/jobs.htm
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
State Wildlife Agencies:
Locate your state’s wildlife, fish, and game website to find employment opportunities. Type in “Employment” or “Student” in the search box.
Example: http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Current-KDWP-Employment-Opportunities
Overwhelmed? Need advice?
Don’t forget to make use of your university’s career center. Trained advisors can assist you with your job search or career decision. When you are ready to apply, have an advisor proofread your resume and cover letter. It is important to have someone else review your application before the final submission. Finally, take advantage of resources at your school to improve your interviewing skills so you are prepared for the next step.
Finding a job is tough, but plenty of help is available. Good luck!