Wildlife Inspector (Canine)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Torrance, CA

JobSummary

The Wildlife Inspector (Canine), GS-1801-12, serves within Region 9, Chief, Office of Law Enforcement. The position conducts complex inspection and compliance duties to enforce laws regulating wildlife trade. The inspector uses a trained canine to detect concealed wildlife in baggage, parcels, and cargo and may detain shipments. The role also serves as Lead Trainer, ensuring canine team proficiency while maintaining certification, continuous training, and full care and housing of the canine.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

OrganizationCodes

IN/IN15

Relocation

False

HiringPath

fed-transition
fed-internal-search
land

MCOTags

Hiring Freeze Exempt - SO 3427

AgencyMarketingStatement

You too can make a difference in our world. The work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is meaningful and varied. Want to know more about what it is like to work for us? Click here to Learn more about Fish and Wildlife Service Regions - www.fws.gov/about/regions

TravelCode

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

A Wildlife Inspector Canine (Lead Trainer) serves within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Office of Law Enforcement, supporting the mission to protect wildlife resources by enforcing federal conservation laws, regulating wildlife trade, and promoting voluntary compliance. The position carries a dual primary role as lead trainer for detection canine teams across FWS facilities, and an operational canine handler responsible for interdiction of illegal wildlife trafficking. Major duties include: Deploy and handle wildlife detection canines at ports of entry to inspect shipments and baggage, ensuring compliance with federal wildlife laws and international treaties. Design and implement canine training programs; evaluate team performance and introduce new techniques to maintain detection proficiency and operational readiness. Conduct interdiction operations using detection canines; perform risk assessments, identify high-risk shipments, and initiate investigations into wildlife trafficking. Maintain canine health and welfare, including daily care, grooming, medical needs, and accurate recordkeeping of training, certifications, and inspection activities. Serve as liaison and technical expert; provide training, mentorship, and outreach to law enforcement partners and stakeholders to enhance wildlife trade compliance.

Education

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience. Nor does this position have a positive education requirement. See Qualifications section.

Requirements

Evaluations

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position. Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are minimally qualified for this job, HR will complete a review of your resume and supporting documentation. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications requirement(s), the best qualified candidates will be identified through a structured resume review panel that will result in issuing a ranking referral list to the hiring manager. The panel will measure the specialized experience and critical competencies and/or job elements listed below that are required to successfully perform in the position. Skill in caring for and maintaining the health, wellness, and readiness of a detection canine, including daily care, grooming, and basic obedience work. Knowledge of modern canine training techniques to communicate expertise through training, mentoring, and presentations to diverse audiences. Knowledge of modern canine training techniques and the ability to effectively train, mentor, and present information to diverse audiences. Knowledge of federal and international wildlife protection laws, inspection and investigative methods, and risk-assessment tools used in canine-assisted inspection and interdiction work. Knowledge of illegal wildlife trade and associated violations of federal, state, tribal, and international laws to support investigative work and coordination with law enforcement and partner agencies. Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided. Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

HowToApply

Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section. Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the questions presented in the application and upload required documents. To preview the questions presented in the application, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12901881. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application. Applications must be received by 04/08/2026, 11:59 p.m., EST, to receive consideration. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

WhatToExpectNext

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official. You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.

RequiredDocuments

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education. Required Documents: 1. Resume: You may submit only one resume. Only the document uploaded as the "Resume" document type will be used to determine your qualifications and for rating. Your resume must clearly describe your job-related qualifications, including paid and unpaid experience, job titles, beginning and ending dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and a description of your duties. You are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or another format, you must still provide all required details. Your resume must contain complete information for each job to support minimum qualification determinations. Failure to provide all required information will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees must include pay plan, series, and grade for all relevant experience. Do not include the following types of information in your resume: Classified or government sensitive information Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents. 2. SF-50: Non-award, or equivalent Notification of Personnel Action if you are a current or former Federal employee. Your SF-50 (non-award) must show tenure code 1 or 2 in block 24, and position occupied code 1 (competitive service) in block 34. If you have previously held a higher grade than the grade/position you currently occupy, you must submit a copy of the last non-award SF-50 you received for that position. If you have any questions regarding which SF-50's to submit, it is recommended that you contact the person listed on this vacancy announcement before the closing date. 3. Applicants applying under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act must submit documentation verifying eligibility. Required documentation includes: First and last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for each appointment verifying the Position Occupied code (block 34, code 1-Competitive Service), AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each appointment, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period. Failure to submit required documentation may result in loss of consideration. Note: You must submit ALL SF-50s and performance information for each period of temporary/term employment if you are requesting to be considered Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act eligibility. 4. Performance Appraisal: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level. Additional Documentation if applicable: 1. Cover Letter 2. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 2 or 4 showing you were honorably discharged. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. (i.e. VA letter). You may not be awarded preference if you do not attach the correct Veteran Documentation as specified above. 3. College Transcripts: Please refer to the education section above for additional information. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected. 4. CTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP eligible. Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

OtherInformation

PCS Information: No PCS entitlements authorized. Telework: This position is suitable for telework only in an emergency or natural disaster. Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area. Probation Period: The probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Foreign Language Proficiency: Certain duty stations for this position may require basic to fluent proficiency in a foreign language, including speaking, reading, and writing. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. CTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), score at least 85 on the accomplishment record evaluation, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/".

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

fwshiring@fws.gov

SecurityClearance

Secret

DrugTestRequired

True