The Farallon Islands National Wildlife refuge is surrounded by one of the most spectacular & biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. While created to protect seabirds and marine mammals, the refuge also supports rare bird species and feeding grounds for whales and white sharks. A prime location for research and wildlife and habitat conservation.

Visit Us

The Refuge is closed to the public due to the sensitivity of wildlife.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Remote and rugged, the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1909 to protect seabirds and marine mammals. These rocky islands, located 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge in California, contain the largest seabird nesting colony south of Alaska and home to different species of animals on, above, and beneath the surface of the Islands.

      What We Do

      Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect seabirds and marine mammals. All activities allowed on the refuge must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.

      Our Species

      Although the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect seabirds and marine mammals, countless other species and lands have benefited from these protections. The Islands contain the largest seabird nesting colony south of Alaska; they hold the largest colony of western gulls in the world; and they support half the world's population of Ashy storm-petrels, and so much more! 

      Get Involved

      Although the Refuge is closed to the public, there are many great ways you can get involved with the refuge! Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.

      Careers

      Join the team! A job with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is perfect for anyone with determination, persistence, imagination – and a passion for conserving America's natural heritage. 

      Current job openings.

      Wildlife Refuge Specialist. This is an amazing opportunity to work on a truly magical national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
      A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

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      just off the coast of San Francisco.  Assisting with facility maintenance, invasive plant control, leading groups of volunteers, assisting with other restoration projects, and working closely with partners will be among the main duties.  A substantial amount of overnight travel will be spent on the Farallon Islands.

      See the full job listing to apply!

      Learn more about other job listings across the Service on our careers page.