Wildlife Biology
Position Overview
The work of wildlife biologists at the Department of the Interior involves the ecology, behavior, and conservation of wild animals and their habitats. This work involves coordinating wildlife management programs with other natural resources activities, such as land use planning and forest and range management.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate should be very detail oriented in order to plan complex scientific projects. This individual must be able to apply their professional knowledge of wildlife biology and related disciplines in order to analyze complex biological data and must be able to communicate technical information to a variety of audiences.
Work Environment
Work is performed in both an office setting and outdoors in the field. Field work may involve long periods of time in potentially hazardous terrain or inclement weather.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Collects data from field investigations and makes observations
- Prepares samples and performs data analysis
- Drafts portions of reports or correspondence related to technical work
- Prepares graphs and charts
Mid:
- Identifies research needs and recommends requests for proposals or statements of work
- Performs data analysis and writes reports on findings
- Plans and implements biological investigations that affect wildlife resources and habitat conditions
- Designs and implements habitat improvement and restoration projects in coordination with external stakeholders
Journey:
- Conducts studies on the impact of existing or proposed management or public practices on wildlife resources
- Modifies and adapts standard techniques, processes, and procedures
- Develops extensive plans for major wildlife projects including estimates of personnel, equipment, materials, and schedules required to carry out highly specialized plans
- Conducts program analyses and recommends modifications to program objectives or procedures
Senior:
- Formulates and recommends new policies, strategies, standards, and plans of national scope for development, coordination, and management of wildlife program activities
- Maintains liaison with and provides technical counsel to external stakeholders
- Analyzes and resolves complex technical problems for which current information is inconclusive or unproven
- Develops and implements cooperative programs with external stakeholders, such as private landowners, local or state governments, or special interest groups
Strengths by Level
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ComplianceKnowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Creative ThinkingUses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Customer ServiceWorks with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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EntrepreneurshipPositions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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FlexibilityIs open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Influencing/NegotiatingPersuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Oral CommunicationExpresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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PartneringDevelops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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ReasoningIdentifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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Technical CompetenceUses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
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WritingRecognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.Show Tool TipEntry 5-7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14-15
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences
Biological Science Technician
Wildlife Refuge Management
- 0023 - Outdoor Recreation Planning
- 0025 - Park Ranger
- 0028 - Environmental Protection Specialist
- 0150 - Geography
- 0301 - Miscellaneous Administration and Program
- 0303 - Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant
- 0455 - Range Technician
- 1315 - Hydrology
- 1371 - Cartographic Technician
- 1802 - Compliance Inspection And Support
Where We Are
DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."