Wildlife Inspector
The Wildlife Inspector, GS-1801-11/12, 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.
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 will be developmental in nature 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: Depending on the duty station, this position may necessitate demonstrating basic to fluent proficiency in a foreign language (speaking, reading, and writing).
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.