Lead Wildlife Conservation: Supervisory Wildlife Biologist in Guam
Are you a seasoned professional looking to combine scientific rigor with executive leadership? The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites you to join our mission as a State Director for the Wildlife Services program in Barrigada, Guam. This high-level position offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of wildlife management in a biologically diverse and complex environment.
Job Responsibilities
As the State Director, you will act as the technical and administrative lead for all Wildlife Services activities in Guam. Key responsibilities include:
- Program Leadership: Planning and executing complex scientific initiatives that reduce wildlife damage.
- Strategic Budgeting: Formulating and administering budgets across multiple funding sources.
- Partnership Development: Negotiating with federal, state, and local stakeholders to implement sound conservation principles.
- Team Management: Directing a diverse workforce through effective supervision and training.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, you must meet rigorous qualifications:
- A minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
- Extensive biological education, specifically including mammalogy, zoology, and botany.
- Strong skills in conflict and financial management.
- The legal and physical capacity to possess and discharge firearms.
Comparison of Potential Responsibilities
| Focus Area | Key Objective | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific | Developing experimental techniques | Reducing damage effectively |
| Administrative | Managing complex budgets | Ensuring program longevity |
| Relational | Building community partnerships | Harmonizing human-wildlife needs |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. Compensation is benchmarked against the GS-13 grade level and includes the stability of federal benefits.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Health and wellness programs.
- Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid leave and federal holiday schedule.
- Potential for career growth and non-competitive promotion opportunities.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-length submissions will result in immediate disqualification.
- Be Detailed: Ensure every listed experience directly correlates to the core competencies required for the job.
- Submit Early: Don't wait for the final hours of the closing date to avoid technical bottlenecks.
Serving as the State Director in Guam is more than a job—it is a mission to balance the needs of our ecosystem with those of our community. If you possess the leadership skills and scientific background required, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the vital work of the USDA.
Why This Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director) Job Matters
Lead critical wildlife conservation and management efforts in the heart of the Pacific as a State Director for the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.
Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director) Job Overview
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a visionary Supervisory Wildlife Biologist to serve as State Director in Barrigada, Guam. In this pivotal role, you will lead the strategic direction, scientific oversight, and administrative management of cooperative wildlife damage programs. You will serve as the primary liaison between federal, state, tribal, and private stakeholders to resolve complex human-wildlife conflicts through sustainable, science-based solutions.
Requirements for Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must possess a valid driver's license
- Ability to possess and discharge firearms
- Bachelor's degree in Biological Science (or a combination of education and experience)
- Specific coursework including 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 in zoology, and 9 in botany
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent)
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Successful completion of a drug test
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director)
- Demonstrated experience in resolving controversial human-wildlife conflicts
- Proven track record in managing multi-faceted federal and state budgets
- Expertise in human resources management and mentoring subordinate staff
- Strong negotiation and partnership-building skills with public and private organizations
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Generous federal retirement programs (FERS/TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional career development
- ✓Telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (State Director) Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Draft a resume specifically highlighting specialized experience (maximum two pages).
- Submit your resume, academic transcripts, and required SF-50 forms online.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire embedded within the portal.
- Monitor your application status via your dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Clearly map your experience to the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Provide contact information and verify that all supervisors' phone numbers are included.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in compatible formats like PDF or Word.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Moderate Risk (MR) background investigation for suitability and fitness, though a formal security clearance is not required.
Can I apply if my degree is from a foreign institution?
Yes, provided you submit an evaluation from a specialized organization confirming it is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
What is the probationary period for this role?
All new hires are required to serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate fitness for the role.
Can I telework?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to program requirements and management approval.
Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) is committed to protecting the health of American agriculture. APHIS is at the forefront of this mission, managing human-wildlife conflicts and protecting vital resources. As an emergency response agency, we value professionals who are adaptable, dedicated, and ready to serve.