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

A group of mussels on sea floor.
Wildlife Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Supports Boaters and Clean Waterways Through Clean Vessel Act Program
Recreational boaters and the nation’s waterways will benefit from more than $16 million in grant funds, thanks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program. Since the program’s inception in 1993, these grants have improved pump-out stations and waste reception facilities...
Light purple, five-petal flowers with yellow center on a branch with green leaves.
Endangered Species Act
$62.5M for Endangered Species Recovery Planning
Today, on Endangered Species Day, the Department of the Interior announced a $62.5 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act to help plan for endangered species recovery efforts.
A turtle sticks its head out of as suck it's been stuffed inside
Wildlife Crime
Keeping turtles safe from illegal trade
Conservationist Jeff Corwin teamed up with the Service and partners to raise awareness about threats to America’s native turtles and tortoises, including illegal collection. Join Jeff in the field to track eastern box turtles and learn how you can help keep them wild.
boat with service employees electrofishing with multiple fish jumping out of water
Science and Technology
Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize Offers up to $100,000 for Novel Conservation Solutions
The public can now help reimagine what drives wildlife conservation in the 21st century by participating in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize competitions, which open for entries today.

You may also want to...

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