We are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.

We offer a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our shared natural heritage. And through our work to conserve natural resources, we provide communities with healthier environments, clean water, flood control and a strong economy.

Achieving Our Mission

Learn about our priorities, statutory authority and functions. 

History of Fish and Wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and the nation’s oldest conservation agency. Our origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study why the nation’s food fishes were decreasing and recommend ways to reverse that decline.

Though the name of our agency has changed multiple times over the years, what endures is the collective dedication of Service employees to face the conservation challenges of their dayand now, our daywith ingenuity, integrity and hard work. Fortunately, our history shows that we’ve always been up to the challenge.

Our Locations

Latest Stories

Great blue heron along a wetland
Wildlife Wonders
Our nation's nature
To celebrate America's 250th birthday, we're highlighting the incredible wildlife that calls this beautiful country home. This week, learn about the Texas horned lizard, big brown bat, timber rattlesnake, boreal chorus frog, golden-tailed leafcutter bee, great blue heron and eastern yellowjacket.
a resting western snowy plover chick
A count worth waiting for
Every year around the third week of May, a quiet but monumental effort takes place along the West Coast of the United States. From Washington State down to San Diego, California, biologists, volunteers and conservationists come together for one purpose: to count a tiny bird the size of a sparrow,...
Group photo of staff and artists at the Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest
Get Involved
Nina Liang, 17, Wins U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2026 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest
A talented young artist from Texas has taken top honors at the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. A pair of blue-winged teal by 17-year-old Nina Liang, will grace the 2026-2027 Junior Duck Stamp, which raises funds to educate and engage our nation’s youth in wildlife and wetlands conservation...
seven people stand together smiling in front of a podium that says Tucson urban bird treaty coaltion
Our Partners
Tucson Becomes the 32nd Urban Bird Treaty City
On February 21, 2026, community members, volunteers, and partners gathered to celebrate Tucson’s designation as the 32nd Urban Bird Treaty City. In recognition of the region’s vital wildlife habitats, with about 85 million birds migrating through the region each spring and fall, the treaty ceremony...
Fisher wearing tracking collar is released into Idaho forest
Wildlife Management
Rebuilding Idaho's Fisher Population in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains
Idaho Fish and Game, in an act of both conservation and ecological insurance, is relocating fisher into the forests of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains. Here, among the mountain forests and dense underbrush biologists hope to boost the state’s fisher population.
people pose in front of 4 flags (US at right) and birds all around
History and Culture
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge: 'A Great Monument to the People Who Passed Here'
As part of the Flags Across America initiative for America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing stories from the places where our commemorative flags have traveled. From historic hatcheries to vibrant refuges, each stop celebrates conservation as an enduring American...

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See Where Your Tax Dollars Go 

Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops an annual budget justification which defines our goals, objectives, and the funding necessary to accomplish them. Once approved, funds are allocated to programs and regions, and monitored to ensure those funds are used as mandated by Congress.

View Our Budget

Do Business With Us

The mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. In support of the mission, the FWS procures goods and services that include: land rehabilitation; information technology resources; construction projects; professional and nonprofessional services; supplies; and environmental studies. We look forward to working with qualified, capable contractors, including small businesses.

Learn About Contracting

Work With Us

The range of career options available in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is as wide as it is rewarding. A career with us might be just what you’re looking for if you’re passionate about supporting our mission and science, water quality, nature, air quality, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, native plants, or education. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work.  

Browse Current Job Opportunities