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Performs fish and wildlife program administration including resource management, conservation policy, and program oversight.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0480
Degree: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, or at least 30 semester hours in courses, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
• Experience: Four years of experience that demonstrated that the applicant acquired knowledge and understanding of one or more of the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, or related disciplines equivalent to that which would have been acquired through completion of a 4-year course of study as described in A above.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal fish and wildlife administration position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0480
Leadership in environmental management and policy development is directly applicable to fish and wildlife administration.
Experience with environmental systems and resource management supports roles in wildlife program administration.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of fish and wildlife programs.
Understanding of wildlife laws and treaties.
Skill in managing conservation programs.
Ability to work with diverse partners.
Skill in developing management policies.
Ability to allocate program resources.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0480 Fish and Wildlife Administrator manages programs protecting and conserving fish and wildlife resources. These professionals work at USFWS developing policies, managing refuges, and coordinating conservation efforts across federal lands.
Fish and Wildlife Administrators earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually.
GS-0480 positions require education and/or experience in wildlife management, biology, or natural resources. Entry-level accepts relevant degrees. Higher grades require progressively more specialized program management and policy experience.
Military experience in natural resources management on installations provides relevant background. Veterans with biology degrees who managed environmental programs have applicable experience. Program management skills from military service transfer well.
The career ladder follows GS-9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level administrators support programs. GS-12/13 administrators manage refuge operations or regional programs. Senior administrators direct major conservation initiatives.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Fish and Wildlife' or '0480' series. USFWS is the primary employer. Your federal resume should detail program management, conservation experience, and regulatory knowledge.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.