Senior Wildlife Biologist 2026-01781

Senior Wildlife Biologist 2026-01781

Salary

$6,612.67 - $7,347.60 Monthly

Location

Sheridan, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-01781

Department

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Division

Wildlife

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

Job Classification

FWWB10

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) seeks a Regional Wildlife Biologist based in Buffalo, Wyoming. This position leads wildlife management efforts within the Buffalo District. This position is supervised out of the Sheridan Region.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!

Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct large-scale data collection efforts involving multiple field personnel. Lead analyses using population data for game animals including but not limited to information on population size and trend, herd ratios, distribution, movement and migration patterns, field checks of harvested animals, and mortality factors. Lead the coordination and development of hunting seasons designed to move animal populations toward established objectives, including the understanding and incorporation of public feedback. Collect data for disease surveillance and population monitoring for non-game, protected, and SGCN species.
• Develop initial comments and recommendations for regional wildlife environmental reviews regarding projects from county governments, state and federal agencies, and private landowners. Project recommendations are developed to minimize impacts to wildlife populations by recommending alternatives and mitigation.
• Represent the WGFD at public meetings. Develop and maintain effective working relations by communicating and coordinating with private landowners, state and local governmental agencies, project proponents, and NGOs to effectively communicate WGFD programs and policies. Present programs to civic and sportsperson organizations and schools. Routinely communicate with hunters.
• Respond to and appropriately handle injured and nuisance wildlife calls which may require euthanasia of wildlife. Use chemical and mechanical immobilization equipment and techniques when necessary and appropriate. Use firearms to euthanize wildlife.
• Respond to and appropriately handle nuisance black bear and mountain lion calls. Use appropriate trapping and immobilization techniques to capture and handle large carnivores. Euthanize large carnivores when appropriate.
• Identify specific wildlife-related research needs for assigned region. Develop project proposals, including methods and budgets, coordinate with researchers, write proposals to acquire funds, provide input and guidance to project personnel, collect data, write, review, and edit annual and final project reports.
• Assist in coordinating and conducting habitat management by evaluating wildlife habitat conditions, collecting data, and recommending improvements or projects to enhance wildlife habitat.
• Participate in WGFD-assigned species working groups and committee assignments, assist with the development of regional planning efforts designed to meet the future needs of wildlife and the public.
• Document and report daily activities, write annual and project reports, ensures budget and grant expenditures are within allocated amounts and in accordance with fiscal procedures. Maintains assigned vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other technical equipment. Carries out other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Preference may be given to applicants with a Master's degree in wildlife management, wildlife habitat, ecology, or related field plus two years of professional work experience in wildlife management, wildlife habitat, ecology, or related field.

Preference will be given to applicants who attach an original, applicant-written cover letter with their online state application.

Agency requires that the successful applicant have a valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Demonstrated experience managing complex wildlife populations while effectively engaging stakeholders and addressing public interests.
• Exhibits professionalism, sound judgement, and a positive, collaborative attitude.
• Knowledge of terrestrial wildlife management, population monitoring, and data collection techniques, and regional conservation issues.
• Ability to draft, edit, and communicate technical and non-technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including in-person, email, phone, and public presentations.
• Proficiency in generating maps and spatial analyses using visualization tools such as GIS.
• Experience traveling extensively on a routine basis within a large, rural district.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent fieldwork in adverse weather, including severe winter conditions, and in remote backcountry settings using varied transportation methods including snowmobiles, ATVs, four-wheel drive vehicles, and horses or mules.
• Experience engaging directly with hunters, anglers, and other recreationists.
• Ability to balance significant field presence with administrative, analytical, and reporting responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of wildlife habitat requirements, limiting factors, threats, and habitat management practices.
• Proficiency with relevant technologies used in wildlife management, including data collection hardware and software.
• Ability to analyze and interpret biological and spatial data to inform management decisions.
• Experience in safe handling and discharge of firearms.
• Experience in capture and immobilization of varies wildlife, including large carnivores and big game animals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Wildlife Management)

Experience:

1-2 years progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Wildlife Management) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Wildlife Biologist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Travel within the district is required and can involve long drive times and work in remote areas.
• Backcountry travel, wild and domestic animal handling, firearms use, long hours, and irregular schedules are all required by this position.
• This is a horse district. Biologist may get reimbursed for Department use of one horse. Portions of the District are best accessed via horseback.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(FWWB10) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?

• No relevant experience.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than two (2) years of relevant experience
• Two (2) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience
• Three (3) to less than four (4) years of relevant experience
• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

(FWWB10) Do you have a Bachelors Degree in wildlife, range, or watershed management, ecology, biology, or a closely related field, PLUS four years of professional work experience in wildlife habitat, watershed, or rangeland management

• Yes
• No

06

(FWWB10) Do you have a Masters Degree in wildlife habitat, range, or watershed management, ecology, biology, or a closely related field, PLUS two years of professional work experience in wildlife habitat, watershed, or rangeland management

• Yes
• No

07

(FWWB10) Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you attached a cover letter and resume? This is required for your application to be complete.

• Yes
• No

09

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

10

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

11

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

12

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

13

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

14

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm