Forest Wildlife Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of environmental consciousness, the focus on forest wildlife managers is more important than ever.
With ongoing climate change and increasing concerns about biodiversity, the demand for skilled individuals who can protect, manage, and maintain our forest ecosystems is growing.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a forest wildlife manager?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the complexities of forest wildlife management,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we are presenting a customizable forest wildlife manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Forest Wildlife Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Forest Wildlife Managers are responsible for conserving and managing wildlife populations and habitats within forests.
They use their expertise in ecology and wildlife behavior to ensure that wildlife and their habitats are maintained and protected.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing strategies for managing and conserving wildlife populations and habitats
- Conducting surveys to monitor wildlife populations and their habitats
- Implementing and overseeing programs for the control of wildlife diseases and pests
- Ensuring compliance with environmental and wildlife protection laws and regulations
- Developing and implementing wildlife-related recreational programs and opportunities
- Working with other professionals, such as foresters and environmental scientists, to manage and protect forest ecosystems
- Educating the public and stakeholders about wildlife and habitat conservation
- Preparing and maintaining records and reports on wildlife management activities and findings
- Responding to wildlife-related emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or wildlife-human conflicts
- Procuring and managing resources for wildlife management activities
Forest Wildlife Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Forest Wildlife Manager to oversee the preservation and management of wildlife in our forest reserves.
This role involves monitoring wildlife populations, conducting habitat assessments, and implementing measures to promote biodiversity.
Our ideal candidate is deeply passionate about environmental conservation, with a strong understanding of wildlife ecology and forest management principles.
Ultimately, the Forest Wildlife Manager will ensure the sustainable cohabitation of wildlife within our forest reserves, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and environmental balance.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and manage wildlife populations within forest reserves
- Conduct habitat assessments and biodiversity surveys
- Implement strategies to control invasive species and promote native biodiversity
- Coordinate with park rangers and conservation officers on wildlife management efforts
- Develop and implement forest management plans
- Conduct research on wildlife conservation and forest management trends
- Work with local communities and stakeholders to promote conservation efforts
- Ensure compliance with wildlife protection regulations and policies
- Manage budgetary and resource allocation for wildlife management projects
Qualifications
- Degree in Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science, Forestry or related field
- Proven experience in wildlife management or similar role
- Understanding of wildlife ecology and forest management principles
- Familiarity with wildlife laws and regulations
- Excellent observational and research skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in physically demanding conditions
- Valid driver’s license
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to work in nature’s best surroundings
Additional Information
- Job Title: Forest Wildlife Manager
- Work Environment: Outdoor setting within forest reserves. Requires ability to work in varying weather conditions.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Conservation or Park Director.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Forest Wildlife Manager Do?
A Forest Wildlife Manager plays a crucial role in the conservation, protection and management of wildlife populations and their habitats in a forest environment.
They typically work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or private landowners.
They are responsible for implementing management strategies to ensure the health and diversity of wildlife species and their habitats.
This might involve conducting population surveys, monitoring wildlife behavior, and implementing pest and disease control measures.
Forest Wildlife Managers may also be involved in habitat restoration projects, which could include planting native vegetation, conducting controlled burns, or removing invasive species.
They often work closely with other professionals, such as ecologists, conservation officers and policy makers, to develop and implement wildlife management plans.
Part of their role can involve educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation, and they may also be involved in resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
To carry out their duties, Forest Wildlife Managers require a comprehensive understanding of wildlife biology, ecology, and habitat management, often gained through formal education and on-the-job experience.
In some cases, they may also be responsible for enforcing wildlife protection laws, which could involve issuing fines or implementing other penalties for illegal activities such as poaching or habitat destruction.
Forest Wildlife Manager Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Forest Wildlife Manager should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of local wildlife species, their behaviors, and habitats to effectively manage and conserve wildlife resources.
- Proficient in data collection and analysis to assess the health and population of various species in the forest.
- Good leadership skills to manage and coordinate a team of forest rangers and wildlife experts.
- Effective communication skills to liaise with government agencies, local communities, and conservation groups.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills to address challenges related to wildlife management and conservation.
- Physical stamina and outdoor survival skills for fieldwork in diverse weather conditions and terrains.
- Understanding of environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance in all activities.
- Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) and other relevant software for wildlife tracking and habitat mapping.
Forest Wildlife Manager Experience Requirements
Entry-level Forest Wildlife Managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation, biology, ecology, or a related field.
Along with this, they should ideally have 1 to 2 years of experience in wildlife management, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in a wildlife park, conservation area or a research facility.
This experience should provide familiarity with wildlife management principles and practices, habitat manipulation, and nuisance wildlife control.
Furthermore, experience with wildlife data collection, analysis, and interpretation is often required.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Wildlife Manager or Wildlife Biologist roles.
They gain practical experience in monitoring wildlife populations, implementing habitat enhancement projects, and conducting public outreach and education programs.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for senior roles.
Such candidates should have a significant amount of field experience and may have some leadership experience in their background.
They may be ready for managerial positions where they oversee the work of other wildlife management professionals, coordinate conservation efforts, develop and implement wildlife management plans, and liaise with government agencies, private landowners, and the public to ensure the protection and sustainability of wildlife populations and their habitats.
Additional certification from recognized bodies like The Wildlife Society can also strengthen their expertise and eligibility for advanced roles.
Forest Wildlife Manager Education and Training Requirements
Forest Wildlife Managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, forestry, environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
They must possess a comprehensive understanding of ecology, biology, and conservation principles.
This knowledge base can be gained through university programs that provide a solid foundation in natural science.
Additionally, field experience is often highly valued in this profession.
This can be obtained through internships, cooperative education programs, or relevant work experience in wildlife or forest management.
In some cases, a master’s degree in a relevant field may be required, especially for positions that involve research or higher-level administrative roles.
Forest Wildlife Managers may also need to be certified by a professional body such as The Wildlife Society or the Society of American Foresters.
These certifications demonstrate a high level of competency in the field and may require ongoing professional development to maintain.
Moreover, understanding wildlife laws and regulations, and having excellent communication and team leadership skills are also crucial for success in this role.
To keep up with the latest advancements in forestry and wildlife conservation, Forest Wildlife Managers may also pursue continuing education through workshops, seminars, or additional courses.
Forest Wildlife Manager Salary Expectations
A Forest Wildlife Manager earns an average salary of $60,220 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, location, level of education, and the specific organization they work for.
Forest Wildlife Manager Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Forest Wildlife Manager need?
A Forest Wildlife Manager should have a strong understanding of forestry, ecology, and wildlife management principles.
They should be proficient in identifying species, assessing habitat conditions and developing management plans.
Good analytical skills are essential to interpret data and make informed decisions.
They also need to possess strong communication skills to liaise with various stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities.
Do Forest Wildlife Managers need a degree?
Yes, most Forest Wildlife Managers need a degree in a relevant field such as wildlife biology, forestry, environmental science, or a related discipline.
Additionally, many roles also require a certain amount of field experience.
Some positions may require advanced degrees for research or leadership roles.
What should you look for in a Forest Wildlife Manager resume?
The resume should showcase a candidate’s academic qualifications in a relevant field.
Look for experience with wildlife management, habitat assessment, and conservation planning.
Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or research institutions can also be beneficial.
Additionally, any certifications or licenses related to wildlife management or forestry should be highlighted.
What qualities make a good Forest Wildlife Manager?
A good Forest Wildlife Manager is passionate about nature and dedicated to the conservation of wildlife.
They should have strong problem-solving skills to address complex ecological issues.
Good organizational skills are also important as they often need to manage multiple projects at once.
Furthermore, they need to have excellent interpersonal skills, as they often work with a variety of stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and research institutions.
What are the daily duties of a Forest Wildlife Manager?
On a typical day, a Forest Wildlife Manager may conduct habitat assessments, develop and implement wildlife management plans, and monitor the health of various species.
They may also spend time liaising with government agencies, local communities, or researchers.
Part of their day might be devoted to administrative tasks such as reporting and documentation.
The specific duties can vary depending on the time of year and the unique needs of the specific habitat they manage.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it truly means to be a Forest Wildlife Manager.
Surprised?
It’s not just about observing animals.
It’s about preserving our natural world, one wildlife habitat at a time.
With our comprehensive Forest Wildlife Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to take your next step.
But why end the journey here?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal guide for precision-designed job listings or for honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Each wildlife habitat is part of a larger ecosystem.
Let’s preserve that ecosystem. Together.
How to Become a Forest Wildlife Manager (Complete Guide)
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