Summary
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.
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.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 10/22/2026 - unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable to difficulty and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) assisting with basic inspections and preliminary fact-finding; 2) reviewing documentation to support compliance checks and detect potential discrepancies; 3) using information systems and standard inspection equipment to carry out routine tasks; 4) gathering and reviewing data to support simple trend analysis or compliance evaluations; 5) communicating with travelers, carriers, businesses, and Federal partners to exchange basic information and provide routine guidance on law enforcement, wildlife law, and/or wildlife trafficking. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Successful completion of one (1) full year of graduate-level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. Acceptable fields include, but are not limited to: natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other fields directly related to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience, as described above, may be used to meet the total qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the bachelor's degree is creditable, and when combined with specialized experience, the total must equal 100% of the qualification requirements. -OR- Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): A bachelor's degree in a qualifying major as described above AND evidence of SAA based on one of the following: 1) Ranking in the upper one-third (1/3) of the graduating class; 2) Election to a recognized national scholastic honor society; 3) A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate coursework; 4) A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for coursework completed during the final two (2) years of the bachelor's program; 5) A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on all completed coursework in the major field of study; or 6) A GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major field of study during the final two (2) years of the bachelor's program. To verify SAA, applicants must submit transcripts that clearly show how GPA was calculated. To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable to difficulty and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) assisting with inspections and investigations of suspected wildlife laws violations, following required search, seizure, and evidence-handling procedures; 2) examining shipments, containers, and documentation to verify compliance and identify high risk shipments or travelers; 3) utilizing automated inspection/compliance systems and related equipment to carry out inspections and interdiction tasks; 4) analyzing wildlife trade data and trends to support the development of compliance and permit evaluation criteria; 5) communicating with travelers, carriers, businesses, and Federal agencies to exchange information, resolve compliance issues, and provide outreach on wildlife import/export requirements. -OR- Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., in a field of study directly related to the position. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above, which together equals 100% of the qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the first year may be combined with specialized experience. To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable to difficulty and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) conducting targeted interdiction and inspection activities to detect noncompliance with U.S. and foreign wildlife laws, treaties, and regulations; 2) identifying wildlife, parts, and products, and referring specimens requiring advanced identification; 3) conducting risk assessments and analyzing trade data and trends to develop criteria for evaluating compliance with permits and regulations; 4) communicating mission objectives through analytical reports; 5) supporting civil and criminal investigations with partner agencies involving illegal wildlife trade and other violations of federal, state, tribal, and international laws. -OR- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M, in a field of study directly related to the position. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience, as described above, which together equals 100% of the qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the first two (2) years may be combined with specialized experience. To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) conducting interdiction and inspection of wildlife shipments at ports of entry, identifying specimens using taxonomic or forensic methods, and documenting findings to support enforcement actions; 2) conducting port-specific risk assessments using analytical tools, intelligence, and trade data to identify trends, establish inspection criteria, and develop cargo and passenger lookouts; 3) supporting investigations by collecting, preserving, and processing evidence under federal standards, examining high-risk shipments across transport modes, and contributing to case development; 4) serving as a technical expert and liaison with domestic and international partners, facilitating information exchange, advising industry entities, participating in special projects, and preparing reports and presentations; 5) developing and delivering training, guidance, and outreach to inspectors, partners, and the public, supporting program improvements, and providing mentorship to strengthen inspection program operations. NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Requirements
Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration, visit SSS.gov. Direct Deposit participation required. Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation. Merit promotion applicants must meet time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Pre-employment and random drug testing are required. Applicants selected for this position will not be appointed if a verified positive drug test result is received. Must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license throughout employment. Employees are required to wear an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform and comply with uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. Position is subject to a financial disclosure requirement, within 30 days of appointment. This is a bargaining unit position represented by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, may be required to serve a one (1)-year probationary period. This probationary period allows the Agency to evaluate an employee's fitness for Federal service and to determine whether the employee's continued employment advances the public interest. The probationary period is an extension of the appointment process. During this time, the Agency will evaluate whether an employee's continuation in the position supports the Agency's mission and organizational goals, aligns with Agency needs and interests, promotes the efficiency of the service, and otherwise advances the public interest. In making this determination, the Agency will consider the employee's performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the Agency; whether continued service supports broader Agency or Government objectives; and whether continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, an employee's service during a probationary period automatically terminates at the end of that period unless the Agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the employee's continued employment advances the public interest and that the employee's appointment should be finalized. If the Agency does not issue this written certification, the appointment will be terminated at the conclusion of the probationary period.
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