Stephanie Koch

Wildlife Biologist Stephanie Koch standing in a wetland with a scientific device
Supervisory Wildlife Biologist
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Massasoit National Wildlife Refuge
Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge
Nomans Land Island National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife Refuge System
Address

73 Weir Hill Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
United States

(978) 579-4036
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About Stephanie Koch

A smiling woman on a beach at low tide holding two medium-size shorebirds, one in each of her hands
Image Details
Supervisory wildlife biologist Stephanie Koch near Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts.

Stephanie Koch is a supervisory wildlife biologist at the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Previously, she was a wildlife biologist at other New England refuges. She has been with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1995.

What she loves about the job:

“It immerses me in the natural world — across large intact tracts of hardwood forest, to the edges of vernal pools, through winding rivers, and to barrier beaches and saltmarshes of the coast. I feel privileged to work in beautiful landscapes, studying and conserving fascinating plants and animals. What’s not to love?”

What’s most interesting and rewarding about it:

“One of my goals is to learn something new every day. I’ve been true to that goal for more than 20 years. Some days my ‘something new’ is boring, like successfully navigating a new administrative task. But with the incredible diversity across our refuges, I usually don’t have to look far for a new tidbit of biological wisdom. Working with other biologists, schools and conservation partners is rewarding. It encourages me to think bigger and broader.”



What’s most challenging about it:

“Prioritizing my work and accepting that I just can’t do it all. It’s tough to admit that. Continually revisiting priorities is important. It requires flexibility and open-mindedness.” 

Skills you must have to succeed at it:

“A persistent can-do attitude and a willingness to change course or viewpoint. Basic knowledge of statistics and GIS helps.” 



Animal she identifies with:

“Humpback whale. Whales make long-distance ocean migrations through magical and mysterious places. I love to travel, wander and explore.” 

To find available wildlife biologist jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “0486,” “wildlife biologist,” “0401,” “natural resources management” and/or “biological sciences.” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” The job requires a bachelor’s degree in biological science with specialized study related to wildlife biology, animal ecology, zoology, botany and a range of other relevant fields. Details about education and experience requirements.

Areas of expertise
Habitat management to benefit priority species — including invasive species control, predator control, native habitat restoration, and wetland management
Surveying and monitoring coastal waterbirds, turtles, and vernal pools
Collaborative research and management endeavors with diverse conservation partners
Rare species management and protection
Conservation management