Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Texas A&M University System; Leakey (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie View A&M University in Texas is seeking a Wildlife Damage Management Technician to perform wildlife damage management on private lands, using traps, snares, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment.

Responsibilities include obtaining landowner agreements, coordinating with cooperators, deploying control devices per SOP, maintaining equipment, keeping MIS records, and ensuring compliance with laws.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Farm or ranch background.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of biological sciences and wildlife damage management laws.
• Knowledge of control devices, chemicals and tools for predator management.
• Ability to drive and travel as needed.
• Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Valid driver's license.
• Travel may be required; own vehicle and liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Obtain agreements from landowners before conducting wildlife damage management on private lands.
• Contact adjacent landowners or residents to advise of activities.
• Maintain rapport with cooperators and report activities to District Supervisor weekly.
• Use traps, snares, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment per SOP.
• Prepare baits, lures, and set control devices.
• Follow laws and regulations at local, state, and federal levels.
• Maintain and safeguard tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Record daily activities and MIS documents accurately.
• Participate in aerial hunting activities as authorized and per regulations.
• Identify set trap locations with GPS and maintain safety protocols.

Skills

Communication

Biological knowledge

Wildlife control

Driving/travel

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Traps and snares

GPS devices

Toxicant handling

MIS/Records keeping

Job description

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

Responsibilities

Obtains agreements from landowners, ranchers, or administrators prior to conducting wildlife damage management services on private lands. 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.

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 ground crew member in aerial hunting activities as authorized by cooperative agreements and in accordance with state and 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.

Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devises, and toxicants. Conducts 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.

Other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

High school graduation or GED.

Farm or ranch background.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent verbal and written communication 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.

Registrations, Certifications and Licenses:

• Valid driver's 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).

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Prairie View A&M University is a prestigious public historically black land-grant university in Texas, established in 1876, and known for its commitment to education and research.