Research Biologist
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Fort Collins, CO, United States
Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
This position is with the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Wildlife Services Program (WS). Works as a research grade biologist to define, lead, plan, coordinate, conduct, analyze, and report on field and laboratory research dealing with wildlife damage conflicts. Four (4) positions to be filled. See additional information for an explanation of where vacancies will be filled.
Job Summary
This position is with the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Wildlife Services Program (WS). Works as a research grade biologist to define, lead, plan, coordinate, conduct, analyze, and report on field and laboratory research dealing with wildlife damage conflicts. Four (4) positions to be filled.
Qualifications
Basic Requirement:
Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major plus appropriate experience or additional education.
GS-12 Level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS‑11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public sectors which demonstrates independent planning and conducting research focusing on wildlife repellents (e.g., physiology, sensory biology), chronic wasting disease, invasive species (e.g., Brown Treesnakes), wildlife‑aviation safety, and studies providing tools for wildlife damage management.
Experience designing and conducting research projects in laboratory, field, and captive settings addressing human‑wildlife conflict, including trapping, handling, and marking.
Experience bringing in external resources/funding via grants or partnership to support research.
Demonstrated communication of research findings through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations to diverse stakeholders, considered an expert in the respective field.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the position is also acceptable for GS‑12 qualification.
All applicants must provide transcripts and meet all eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
Major Duties
Determine the character, distribution, and economics of wildlife damage problems in agricultural, forest, insular, and other settings.
Develop methods of detecting and estimating or indexing wildlife populations and the magnitude of resource damage and economic loss.
Develop integrated management techniques and strategies for reducing wildlife damage problems and/or eradicating invasive animal populations.
Develop control technologies including toxicants, repellents, attractants, capture devices, mechanical control devices, habitat manipulation strategies, and reproductive inhibition technologies.
Provide general knowledge of wildlife ecology, behavior, physiology, and types of damage and control options to individuals responsible for management decisions.
Perform non‑research duties as assigned, such as serving on various WS or NWRC committees or representing the Agency or Program with other government entities or outside interests.
Position Start Date
04/24/2026
Position Close Date
04/30/2026
Salary Offered
89,508 – 129,742 USD per year
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This position is with the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Wildlife Services Program (WS). Works as a research grade biologist to define, lead, plan, coordinate, conduct, analyze, and report on field and laboratory research dealing with wildlife damage conflicts. Four (4) positions to be filled. See additional information for an explanation of where vacancies will be filled.
Job Summary
This position is with the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Wildlife Services Program (WS). Works as a research grade biologist to define, lead, plan, coordinate, conduct, analyze, and report on field and laboratory research dealing with wildlife damage conflicts. Four (4) positions to be filled.
Qualifications
Basic Requirement:
Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major plus appropriate experience or additional education.
GS-12 Level:
Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS‑11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public sectors which demonstrates independent planning and conducting research focusing on wildlife repellents (e.g., physiology, sensory biology), chronic wasting disease, invasive species (e.g., Brown Treesnakes), wildlife‑aviation safety, and studies providing tools for wildlife damage management.
Experience designing and conducting research projects in laboratory, field, and captive settings addressing human‑wildlife conflict, including trapping, handling, and marking.
Experience bringing in external resources/funding via grants or partnership to support research.
Demonstrated communication of research findings through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations to diverse stakeholders, considered an expert in the respective field.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related to the position is also acceptable for GS‑12 qualification.
All applicants must provide transcripts and meet all eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
Major Duties
Determine the character, distribution, and economics of wildlife damage problems in agricultural, forest, insular, and other settings.
Develop methods of detecting and estimating or indexing wildlife populations and the magnitude of resource damage and economic loss.
Develop integrated management techniques and strategies for reducing wildlife damage problems and/or eradicating invasive animal populations.
Develop control technologies including toxicants, repellents, attractants, capture devices, mechanical control devices, habitat manipulation strategies, and reproductive inhibition technologies.
Provide general knowledge of wildlife ecology, behavior, physiology, and types of damage and control options to individuals responsible for management decisions.
Perform non‑research duties as assigned, such as serving on various WS or NWRC committees or representing the Agency or Program with other government entities or outside interests.
Position Start Date
04/24/2026
Position Close Date
04/30/2026
Salary Offered
89,508 – 129,742 USD per year
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