Wildlife Inspector

Role Overview

The Wildlife Inspector at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) plays a vital frontline enforcement role within the Office of Law Enforcement. The inspector is responsible for safeguarding wildlife resources by detecting and preventing illegal trade activities. Positioned primarily at assigned ports of entry such as cargo areas, passenger terminals, warehouses, and other environments, the role involves applying advanced biological and analytical knowledge to oversee legal wildlife trade and effectively combat trafficking.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate interdiction and inspection efforts at ports of entry to identify and prevent wildlife trafficking, using expertise in species identification, risk assessment, and data analysis.
• Conduct detailed inspections and investigations of wildlife shipments and travelers, identifying high-risk behavior, collaborating with partner agencies, and ensuring lawful trade compliance through informed enforcement actions.
• Serve as a technical authority and liaison, supporting both civil and criminal investigations, sharing intelligence with domestic and international partners, managing special projects, and preparing comprehensive reports and presentations.
• Provide training and outreach to fellow inspectors, partners, and the public, offering leadership and mentorship to enhance the capacity of the Wildlife Inspection Program.
• Carry out inspections in varied and occasionally hazardous environments, manage investigative documentation, and coordinate with subject matter experts and regional personnel to improve overall inspection effectiveness.

Physical and Environmental Factors

This position requires performing physically demanding tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Inspectors will handle live animals and animal products that may pose threats including bites, scratches, venomous encounters, exposure to communicable diseases, and hazardous chemicals. Strict compliance with safety protocols, usage of protective gear, and completion of safety training are mandatory.

Work environments vary widely, including office settings, warehouses, container stations, passenger terminals, and quarantine locations often separated by long distances. Extended travel might be necessary for special assignments, including work at sites not regularly serviced and assisting Special Agents on search operations.

Medical and Work Schedule

Employees must participate in the USFWS Medical Surveillance Program due to potential chemical and disease exposure encountered during inspections. The position may require flexibility including evening, weekend, holiday, overtime, or shift work across multiple stations or locations.

Language and Communication

Depending on the duty location, proficiency in a foreign language—ranging from basic to fluent—may be required both in speaking, reading, and writing.

Employment Conditions

• Must be a U.S. citizen and successfully complete E-Verify employment verification.
• Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Participation in Direct Deposit for salary payments is required.
• Background suitability assessment and drug testing prior to and during employment are mandatory; a positive drug test will disqualify appointment.
• Valid state driver's license required and must be maintained during employment.
• Mandatory wear of the official USFWS uniform with a provided uniform allowance.
• Financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A one-year probationary period may be required as part of the employment conditions to evaluate performance, conduct, and alignment with Agency goals before permanent appointment confirmation.

Qualifications

Applicants must fulfill the qualification standards by the announcement closing date (08/20/2026). For Federal employees, verification of work schedule hours is required to determine specialized experience credit. Volunteer experience that develops relevant skills will also be considered.

Minimum Qualification Requirements for GS-07 Level:

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to Federal GS-05, involving support for inspections, documentation review, use of inspection technology, data collection, and communication related to wildlife law enforcement.
• Alternatively, one year of graduate-level education or an equivalent combination of education and experience in relevant fields such as natural sciences, law enforcement, social sciences, or related disciplines.
• Superior Academic Achievement demonstrated by class ranking, honor society election, or qualifying grade point averages can also satisfy qualifications.

Minimum Qualification Requirements for GS-09 Level:

• One year specialized experience at the GS-07 level involving more advanced inspection and investigative responsibilities, data analysis, and coordination with agencies and stakeholders on wildlife compliance.
• Or a master's degree or equivalent graduate education relevant to the position.