Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service; Gatesville (TX); On-site; USD 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Wildlife Services in Gatesville, Texas, seeks a Wildlife Damage Management Technician to conduct damage control using traps, snares, chemicals, tools and firearms in line with state and federal regulations.

The role requires coordination with landowners, adherence to SOPs, record-keeping, and frequent travel within assigned counties. A strong service ethic and safety focus are essential for protecting people, property, and resources.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Farm or ranch background is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Knowledge of wildlife damage management laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Obtain agreement from landowners before wildlife damage management activities.
• Use traps, snares, chemicals, and related equipment following SOPs.
• Maintain records and coordinate with District Supervisor.
• Ensure safety and compliance with laws and regulations.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Biological sciences

Wildlife laws

Driving

Multi-tasking

Teamwork

Service orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job TitleWildlife Damage Management Technician Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service Department Wildlife Services Proposed Minimum Salary$2,620.50 monthly Job LocationGatesville, Texas Job TypeStaff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Wildlife Services The Texas Wildlife Services Program is a statewide leader in the science, education, and practice of wildlife management. As part of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Wildlife Services works to protect Texas’s agricultural, industrial, and natural resources, as well as the public’s health, safety, and property. Wildlife plays a vital role in our state’s economy, environment, and aesthetics, yet conflicts can arise that result in damage to crops, livestock, infrastructure, and even pose risks to human health and safety. Wildlife Services provides expertise in wildlife damage management—resolving conflicts between wildlife and people through research-based approaches and professional practices. The work spans biological, legal, technical, and socio-political aspects, ensuring solutions that are both effective and responsible for Texas communities. Through close cooperation with federal, state, and private partners, the program offers technical assistance and direct management services in both rural and urban environments, benefiting Texans statewide. By joining Texas Wildlife Services, you become part of a team dedicated to safeguarding the state’s resources and the wellbeing of its citizens. Staff receive support, training, and opportunities to work on complex wildlife management issues, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders. If you have a passion for wildlife management, problem-solving, and service, consider building your career with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Wildlife Services Program.

Position Information

The Wildlife Damage Management Technician conducts wildlife damage management services and activities using traps, snares, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Obtains agreement from landowners, ranchers or administrators prior to conducting wildlife damage management services on land, maintaining regular contact with those involved.
• May be required to contact adjacent landowners or residents to advise of impending wildlife damage management activities.
• Maintains rapport and makes regular contact with cooperators.
• Uses a variety of various control devices, chemicals, tools, firearms, and related equipment utilized in wildlife and avian damage management operations.
• Prepares baits and lures and sets control devices such as snares, traps, etc. in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Performs simple, repetitive tasks requiring only a basic familiarity of biological, agricultural, and wildlife damage management operations.
• Conducts all operations in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and safekeeping of tools, supplies, and equipment.
• When using M-44 or other toxic materials, must maintain records pursuant to the state pesticide statutes and regulations and Environmental Protection Agency use restrictions.
• Participates as a gunner or groundcrew member in aerial hunting activities as authorized by cooperative agreements and in accordance with state ad federal regulations.
• Maintains weekly contact with the District Supervisor to report wildlife damage management activities in assigned area.
• Uses GPS to identify the location of set traps, snares and M-44s.
• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devises, and toxicants.
• Incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner, so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, the general public or property.
• Prepares routine and basic records of daily activities, observations, field conditions, or contacts made for purposes of exchanging factual information.
• Prepares management information system (MIS) documents weekly or as required.
• Documents must be prepared accurately and submitted timely.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED
• Farm or ranch background
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good computer skills
• Knowledge of biological sciences and local, state and federal laws regarding wildlife damage management activities
• Knowledge of various control devices, chemicals and tools required to manage damage caused by predators
• Ability to drive and travel as needed to perform duties
• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others
• Strong service ethic and desire to work with all audiences in assigned county, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin
• Valid driver license

Other Requirements

Travel connected with official duties may be required. This may include attendance at night and/or weekend meetings, participation in out-of-county events. Must have access to personal vehicle and obtain/maintain valid Driver's license and appropriate liability insurance. Must have willingness to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends). Must reside in assigned county (NOTE: Urban designed counties exempt from this requirement).

What You Need to Know

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship: Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave

Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums) 12–15 annual paid holidays Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Employee Wellness Initiative Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Prospective employee benefits

• Retirement programs
• Commitment to inclusive excellence
• Strategic plan

With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you. Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners.