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

Common true katydid on a leaf
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 American redstart, common true katydid, American black bear, California quail, American bumble bee, northern house wren and blue dasher.
FWS staff on and around boat on trailer on land hold FWS flag, fish pennant
History and Culture
Reviving a Legend
In the high desert of western Nevada, beneath the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex stands at the heart of one of the most remarkable native fish recovery efforts in the country. There, the flags were welcomed into the home of the iconic Pilot Peak...
Rachel Carson Center for People and Nature Facility
Our People
Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Rachel Carson Center for People and Nature
On May 27, 2026 Service staff and leadership gathered with local representatives and partners for the grand opening of the Rachel Carson Center for People and Nature. The new visitor center provides office space for the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, the Maine Ecological Services Field...
person waterfowl hunting by a wetland at sunrise
Recreation
Department of the Interior Announces Proposed Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities
The Department of the Interior today announced the largest proposed expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, opening or expanding more than 1,450 opportunities across 111 stations in 32 states.
Virginia rail 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 scarlet tanager, common eastern bumble bee, Virginia rail, northern paper wasp, sagebrush lizard and North American beaver.
small fish in a tank
Wildlife Management
Inside Devils Hole: mysterious depths, an endangered fish, and an unwavering partnership
In the seemingly bottomless depths of Devils Hole in southwest Nevada, there was a terror lurking below. But it wasn’t some type of science fiction sea monster lurking in the depths. The terror was the looming potential of wild extinction for the Devils Hole pupfish, the rarest fish in the world.

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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