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Performs wildlife refuge management work including habitat management, visitor services, and conservation programs.
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-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| 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 |
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-0485
Degree: zoology, wildlife management, or an appropriate field of biology that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the fields described in A above that included at least 9 semester hours in zoology; 6 semester hours in such wildlife courses as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, or wildlife management; and 3 semester hours in botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Additional Requirements for Positions Involving Pilot Duties: For positions in this series that require piloting an aircraft, applicants must:
• Possess a current FAA Commercial Pilot's Certificate with appropriate ratings for single-engine aircraft operation on both land and water;
• Have a minimum of 500 hours of solo flight time in command of aircraft, not less than 100 hours of which was in cross-country time; and
• Meet the medical requirements prescribed for possession of the necessary pilot's license.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal wildlife refuge management 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-0485
Geospatial Engineers have experience in mapping and analyzing terrain, which can be applied to habitat management and conservation planning.
Fusion Analysts are skilled in data analysis and interpretation, useful for monitoring wildlife populations and developing management plans.
Combat Engineers have experience in land management and construction, which is beneficial for managing refuge facilities and operations.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of habitat and species management.
Skill in managing refuge facilities and staff.
Ability to manage visitor and hunting programs.
Skill in developing management plans.
Ability to work with diverse partners.
Understanding of refuge laws and policies.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0485 Wildlife Refuge Manager oversees operations at National Wildlife Refuges, managing habitat, wildlife populations, and public use programs. These professionals protect critical ecosystems while providing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Wildlife Refuge Managers earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually. Remote locations may include housing.
GS-0485 positions require education in wildlife management, biology, or natural resources with specific coursework. Higher grades require progressively more refuge management and supervisory experience.
Military experience cannot substitute for required wildlife education. However, veterans with wildlife degrees who managed natural resources on installations have applicable experience. Leadership and resource management skills from military service are valuable.
The career ladder follows GS-9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level managers oversee smaller refuges. GS-12/13 managers direct major refuges with multiple staff. Senior managers may oversee refuge complexes or regional programs.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Wildlife Refuge' or '0485' series. USFWS is the employer. Your federal resume should detail wildlife management experience, habitat restoration projects, and public use program management. Be prepared for rural locations.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.