Wildlife Damage Control Specialist

Oklahoma; Garvin (OK); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A state governmental agency is seeking a Wildlife Damage Control Specialist in Oklahoma. The role involves evaluating wildlife damage, conducting inspections, and using firearms to manage wildlife issues impacting agriculture. Candidates must have a high school diploma, knowledge of wildlife biology, and skills in managing wildlife effectively. This full-time position offers a competitive hourly wage with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous allowance for insurance premiums

Qualifications

• Knowledge of habitats and behavior of wildlife.
• Experience in wildlife management or related fields.
• Effective communication and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requests for wildlife damage control.
• Conduct on-site inspections to identify wildlife species.
• Develop management plans based on damage assessments.
• Use firearms and explosives to control wildlife.

Skills

Knowledge of wildlife biology

Firearm proficiency

Ability to evaluate wildlife damage

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

4 years of experience in related field

Tools

Firearms

Explosive pyrotechnics

Pesticides

Job description

Overview

Job Posting Title Wildlife Damage Control Specialist

Agency 040 DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD & FORESTRY

Supervisory Organization Asst State Director

Job Posting End Date October 23, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date October 22, 2025

Full/Part-Time Full time

Job Type Regular

Compensation up to $23.21 hourly

Position Description

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is seeking a full-time Wildlife Damage Control Specialist in the Wildlife Services Division. This position (PIN #4000485) is in state government and will work throughout McClain and Garvin Counties. The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

The hourly pay for this position is up to $23.21 based on education and experience.

Position Description: This is a field position that requires knowledge in tracking, behavior and capture of wildlife in areas where agriculture producers and stakeholders are experiencing damage and economic loss.

Responsibilities

• Receives requests for wildlife damage control assistance from the general public, federal, state and county officials, and other sources; evaluates requests and determines priority; notifies supervisor of scheduled activities and requirements for assistance as needed.
• Makes on-site inspections to identify wildlife species responsible for threat or damage by sight, sound, tracks, type of damage or other appropriate evidence; evaluates damage, economic loss, environmental impact, extent of involvement and other factors; formulates and implements a management plan based on sound biological principles, applicable laws, policies and integrated wildlife damage management strategies; coordinates plans and work activities with supervisor, law enforcement officials, property owners and others as appropriate.
• Uses firearms and class C explosive pyrotechnics to control various types of wildlife or wildlife activities responsible for losses to property, environmental damage or other undesirable effects; assists in the handling, transporting or placement of class A explosives in conducting various operations; ensures that accurate records are maintained on the storage and use of such materials; uses pesticides and other toxicants as required.
• Conducts aerial operations from fixed-wing or other aircraft as assigned, based on required certification; performs ground crew duties involving aerial operations and safety, identifying potential hazards, determining property boundaries, locating targets and monitoring radio transmissions as required; operates four-wheel drive pickups, all-terrain vehicles, watercraft and other field equipment.
• Negotiates and completes county funding agreements, reimbursable field agreements and documents and release agreements with individuals, industry officials and local, state and federal agencies; maintains diary of daily activities and prepares computerized and written reports concerning projects and operations; represents the agency at meetings, seminars and discussions regarding wildlife damage management and program objectives.

Level Descriptions

Level I - This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned entry-level responsibilities for conducting and coordinating wildlife damage management operations within an assigned area consisting of one to two counties. In this role they will perform all assigned functions of the position to which assigned under close supervision and receive training in applicable laws and regulations as well as agency policies and procedures.

Level II - This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing a full range of duties at the full performance level in conducting wildlife damage management operations within an assigned area consisting of one to five counties. This will include independent responsibility for completion of all required activities to reduce damage to agricultural, natural or industrial resources and protect life and property within the area by controlling or eliminating damage caused by the wildlife population. Responsibilities may also be assigned for providing training and guidance to new employees or for serving as a team leader on special projects as needed.

Education and Experience

Level I - Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of High School diploma or GED and experience in wildlife damage management, wildlife management, vertebrate pest management, wildlife conservation, agriculture, hunting, tracking or experience in a related field. One year of the required experience or thirty semester hours in related field may be substituted.

Level II – Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of four years of experience in wildlife damage management, wildlife management, vertebrate pest management, wildlife conservation or agriculture or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of college, including six semester hours in any combination of the above areas, for two years of the required experience.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

Level I – Minimum one year of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of wildlife biology including the habitats and behavior of various species; of firearms, explosives and other tools used in the control of wildlife species; of toxic pesticides and their environmental effects; and of state and federal laws governing wildlife conservation and management threatened or endangered species and environmental control. Ability is required to identify various types of wildlife; to evaluate damage from wildlife activities; to use firearms, explosives, pesticides and other wildlife control tools and equipment; to communicate effectively; to prepare technical reports clearly and concisely; and to identify various types of damage caused by wildlife and determine appropriate methods to reduce or eliminate such damage.

Level II – Minimum two years of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of wildlife biology including the habitats and behavior of various species; of firearms, explosives and other tools used in the control of wildlife species; of toxic pesticides and their environmental effects; and of state and federal laws governing wildlife conservation and management threatened or endangered species and environmental control. Ability is required to identify various types of wildlife; to evaluate damage from wildlife activities; to use firearms, explosives, pesticides and other wildlife control tools and equipment; to communicate effectively; to prepare technical reports clearly and concisely; and to identify various types of damage caused by wildlife and determine appropriate methods to reduce or eliminate such damage.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This is a field position and will be required to work in all types of Oklahoma weather conditions. This position will be exposed to pesticides as well as other outdoor environmental factors. Must have the ability to lift and transport at least 50lbs over all types of terrain. Must be able to climb ladders and work on rooftops. Infrequent overnight or weekend work could be required.

Additional Information

Must complete required firearms safety and pass proficiency training every two years in handguns, large and small bore long guns and large gauge shotguns; and work alone under hazardous conditions, including isolated or remote areas, at night, in deep water, and in adverse weather. Potential exists for exposure to wildlife related diseases such as rabies, histoplasmosis, swine brucellosis, plague and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Positions may require an employee to pass exam and maintain a State Restricted-Use Pesticide Applicator’s License for the General and Bird and Predatory Animal Category and may require federal certification in the use of class A explosives and aerial gunning.

This position may be subject to random drug testing. Applicants must possess and maintain a valid Oklahoma driver’s license in order to operate state-owned or leased vehicles.

This position is subject to a twelve-month probationary period.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by63 O.S. § 427.8.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information: Agency Contact