Wildlife Inspector

Field Senior Wildlife Inspector

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.