Careers Working in Fish and Game

There are many career opportunities available for working in Fish and Wildlife.

Each of the positions has one thing in common, protecting the wildlife of the area and the habitats that the wildlife relies on to live.

There are several popular areas of careers in Fish and Game.

Internship and Graduate Programs

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS.gov), both an internship and graduate program are open to the public as part of their “Pathways Program”.

The Internship Program is for Current Students.

It provides students in high schools, colleges, trade schools, and other qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while completing their education.

The Recent Graduate Program is intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated from qualifying educational institutions with an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from qualifying educational institutions.

Administrative Positions

The Department of Fish and Wildlife employs many people who are specialists in the administrative field including budgets, public relations, accounting, and clerical positions.

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There are often vacancies in these positions throughout each state.

The qualifications for an administrative position will vary by specialty.

Most often a person applying for one of these positions will need to have at least a two-year degree, additional job-specific training, as well as experience working in the field.

Fish and Wildlife Biologist Careers

Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Biologists

The Department of Fish and Wildlife employs many classes of biologists including botany, wildlife, marine/fisheries, and general biologists.

Botany and Wildlife biologists perform many tasks related to field activities and wildlife management including conducting environmental protection studies and wildlife research.

Wildlife biologists will tag or band birds and other wildlife to study their habits.

Marine/fishery biologists perform biological work that is connected with the management of fisheries and they also conduct water quality tests.

They also capture and tag different types of fish to study and analyze.

In order to qualify for these positions a person must have a college degree in botany, wildlife management, zoology, fishery management, marine biology, or some other related field.

Environmental Scientist

An environmental scientist is responsible for gathering information on different environmental issues.

They also perform environmental research analysis, investigations, and surveys, and prepare reports.

In order to qualify for these positions a person must have a college degree in physical science, environmental science, physical science, or a related field.

Wildlife Interpreter

Wildlife interpreters conduct work that involves planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, and administering interpretive programs for the Department’s ecological reserves and wildlife areas.

An interpreter will oversee public activities and serve as a contact for community outreach programs.

In addition, they will help develop brochures and maps and conduct demonstrations and tours.

In order to qualify for these positions a person must have a degree in zoology, wildlife management, botany, fisheries management, or other related fields.

This must include at least 15 credits of coursework in natural resource communications, natural resource interpretation, or other subjects that are similar.

Wildlife Technicians

Wildlife Technicians

Wildlife Technician

Wildlife technicians work at temporary or fixed installations such as a fish hatchery or out in nature.

These individuals are involved with releasing game birds, hatching and raising fish, and cleaning animal pens and ponds.

In addition, they will remove barriers from rivers and streams and install and maintain fish ladders, screens, and traps.

Technicians also help other departments in Fish and Game by collecting data on fish, wildlife, and plants.

In order to qualify for a wildlife technician position a person must have at least half a year of experience working in a forestry or wildlife park.

A person with a year of experience in the construction or mechanical fields will also be considered for these positions.

Seasonal Employees

The Department of Fish and Wildlife also sometimes hire seasonal employees to work with their permanent staff.

This offers a great way to get experience and learn more about the DFG.

Salary Information by State

State Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Alabama150$60,740$29.20$77,000$39,640
Arizona260$48,260$23.20$63,520$36,410
Arkansas180$61,370$29.50$79,230$46,610
California280$89,020$42.80$100,960$69,530
Connecticut70$61,860$29.74$73,220$48,630
Delaware60$58,010$27.89$77,070$43,080
Florida700$31,010$14.91$34,260$27,040
Georgia200$65,760$31.61$81,930$48,300
Hawaii100$73,070$35.13$95,600$55,390
Idaho100$63,380$30.47$77,290$45,430
Indiana170$68,950$33.15$83,490$53,680
Kansas90$52,270$25.13$60,440$45,030
Kentucky80$42,880$20.61$45,390$39,210
Louisiana150$51,000$24.52$66,390$37,410
Maine150$64,640$31.08$73,900$54,040
Minnesota140$88,280$42.44$94,470$73,090
Missouri200$53,360$25.65$64,720$43,190
Montana80$64,110$30.82$77,110$58,650
Nebraska60$60,050$28.87$76,130$49,920
New Jersey70$73,890$35.53$102,210$41,500
New Mexico70$55,480$26.67$69,260$34,240
New York390$76,060$36.57$90,560$59,280
North Carolina180$57,090$27.45$64,420$49,980
North Dakota30$75,720$36.40$91,230$60,890
Ohio140$74,140$35.64$90,500$53,710
Oklahoma120$55,910$26.88$59,310$36,980
Pennsylvania80$52,720$25.35$73,400$34,860
South Dakota120$56,660$27.24$70,280$39,930
Tennessee370$72,200$34.71$94,210$48,670
Vermont40$69,420$33.38$86,200$54,290
Virginia190$60,670$29.17$74,110$48,400
Washington100$82,320$39.58$93,870$62,520
West Virginia110$52,800$25.38$55,640$48,320

Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $89,020.

These are the top 10 earning states in the field:

  • California - $89,020
  • Minnesota - $88,280
  • Washington - $82,320
  • New York - $76,060
  • North Dakota - $75,720
  • Ohio - $74,140
  • New Jersey - $73,890
  • Hawaii - $73,070
  • Tennessee - $72,200
  • Vermont - $69,420
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Fish and Game Wardens, OCC Code 33-3031, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Michael Morales

About Michael Morales

Michael Morales is the Webmaster and Editor in Chief for Legalcareerpaths.com. With a strong background in Web Publishing and Internet Marketing, he currently works as an independent consultant. A former paramedic and ems educator, he enjoys punishing himself doing triathlons and endurance sports. Michael currently lives in sunny Northern California, home of the highest tax rates in the world.

6 Responses to Careers Working in Fish and Game

  1. Avatar
    Madeline Stevens #

    It offers diverse roles, from wildlife biologists to conversation officers, making it a fulfilling choice for those passionate about the outdoors and conservation.

  2. Avatar
    Linda Bailer #

    It’s important to note that some positions may require working in remote or challenging environments, which can be physically demanding.

  3. Avatar
    Kellie Rivers #

    The rewarding aspect of this career is the chance to educate the public about wildlife, hunting, and fishing regulations.

  4. Avatar
    Olivia Pei #

    Fish and game professionals often work outdoors, allowing them to connect with nature and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.

  5. Avatar
    Gabrielle Williams #

    This offers a unique opportunity to protect and preserve our natural resources, ensuring that future generations can enjoy them.

  6. Avatar
    Jason Posner #

    My dad said to research about being a Park Ranger because he is planning to be the top candidate here in our area. Seems like he will get a lot of stuff to do.

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