Wildlife Inspector (Canine)

Only experience and education obtained by 04/02/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification GS-11: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-09) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes 1) Independently planning and conducting inspections of wildlife shipments at ports of entry, applying risk-targeting profiles, and verifying permits; 2) Leading enforcement actions, collaborating with law enforcement on civil and criminal investigations, collecting and preserving evidence, and testifying in legal proceedings; 3) Deploying and managing wildlife detection canines, including conducting advanced maintenance training, maintaining certifications, and ensuring proper care and housing; 4) Developing outreach strategies to promote compliance with wildlife laws, advising stakeholders, and resolving operational issues; 5) Preparing detailed reports, directives, and case documentation; operating automated inspection systems, and managing program data for evaluation. -OR- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M, in a field of study directly related to the position. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience, as described above, which together equals 100% of the qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the first two (2) years may be combined with specialized experience. Minimum Qualification GS-09: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable to difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-07) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes 1) Assisting in inspections of wildlife imports and exports to ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws; 2) Using a trained wildlife detection canine under supervision to identify smuggled wildlife; 3) Supporting investigations by collecting evidence and preparing basic reports; 4) Maintaining canine care and training records and conducting routine maintenance training; 5) Performing administrative tasks such as data entry, recordkeeping, and preparing correspondence related to inspections. -OR- Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., in a field of study directly related to the position. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above, which together equals 100% of the qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the first year may be combined with specialized experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: Work requires frequent lifting of items up to 50 pounds and handling a canine weighing up to 80 pounds. Duties include pushing, pulling, and navigating obstacles in inspection areas. The incumbent may encounter wildlife bites or scratches, venomous species, zoonotic diseases, and chemicals used on wildlife products as part of inspection activities. Work Environment: Work occurs in offices and inspection locations such as ports, cargo facilities, and terminals, often outdoors in adverse weather. Risks include falling objects, loud noise, hostile passengers, wildlife-related injuries, communicable diseases, and hazardous chemicals. Use of protective clothing, safety equipment, and adherence to safety procedures is required. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions. Duty Stations: This position requires on-site presence. The selected applicant will be expected to report to one of the following Agency's offices, with the specific workstation to be determined by the Agency upon selection. A total of six (6) candidates will be selected - one (1) for each of the following locations: San Diego, California Torrance, California Erlanger, Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky Memphis, Tennessee El Paso, Texas Salaries will be set based on the geographic locality pay for the assigned duty station. Locality pay tables are available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/. Questions related to duty station placement should be addressed during the interview process. Reasonable Accommodation: The FWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Only experience and education obtained by 04/02/2026 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification GS-11: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-09) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes 1) Independently planning and conducting inspections of wildlife shipments at ports of entry, applying risk-targeting profiles, and verifying permits; 2) Leading enforcement actions, collaborating with law enforcement on civil and criminal investigations, collecting and preserving evidence, and testifying in legal proceedings; 3) Deploying and managing wildlife detection canines, including conducting advanced maintenance training, maintaining certifications, and ensuring proper care and housing; 4) Developing outreach strategies to promote compliance with wildlife laws, advising stakeholders, and resolving operational issues; 5) Preparing detailed reports, directives, and case documentation; operating automated inspection systems, and managing program data for evaluation. -OR- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M, in a field of study directly related to the position. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience, as described above, which together equals 100% of the qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the first two (2) years may be combined with specialized experience. Minimum Qualification GS-09: One (1) year of full-time specialized experience comparable to difficulty and responsibility to the next lower level (comparable to GS-07) in the Federal government. Specialized experience includes 1) Assisting in inspections of wildlife imports and exports to ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws; 2) Using a trained wildlife detection canine under supervision to identify smuggled wildlife; 3) Supporting investigations by collecting evidence and preparing basic reports; 4) Maintaining canine care and training records and conducting routine maintenance training; 5) Performing administrative tasks such as data entry, recordkeeping, and preparing correspondence related to inspections. -OR- Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in an accredited college or university leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., in a field of study directly related to the position. -OR- Successful completion of a combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above, which together equals 100% of the qualification requirements. Only graduate education beyond the first year may be combined with specialized experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: Work requires frequent lifting of items up to 50 pounds and handling a canine weighing up to 80 pounds. Duties include pushing, pulling, and navigating obstacles in inspection areas. The incumbent may encounter wildlife bites or scratches, venomous species, zoonotic diseases, and chemicals used on wildlife products as part of inspection activities. Work Environment: Work occurs in offices and inspection locations such as ports, cargo facilities, and terminals, often outdoors in adverse weather. Risks include falling objects, loud noise, hostile passengers, wildlife-related injuries, communicable diseases, and hazardous chemicals. Use of protective clothing, safety equipment, and adherence to safety procedures is required. Time In Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the JOA. Specifically, i. Area of Consideration. ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502. iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions. Duty Stations: This position requires on-site presence. The selected applicant will be expected to report to one of the following Agency's offices, with the specific workstation to be determined by the Agency upon selection. A total of six (6) candidates will be selected - one (1) for each of the following locations: San Diego, California Torrance, California Erlanger, Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky Memphis, Tennessee El Paso, Texas Salaries will be set based on the geographic locality pay for the assigned duty station. Locality pay tables are available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/. Questions related to duty station placement should be addressed during the interview process. Reasonable Accommodation: The FWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

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