Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Texas A&M University System; Sonora (TX); On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service in Sonora, Texas seeks a Wildlife Damage Management Technician to conduct wildlife damage management on private lands using traps, snares, chemicals and related equipment.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a farm or ranch background, plus strong verbal and written communication skills. Year-round fieldwork may include night/weekend duties; a valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and farm/ranch background.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Knowledge of biological sciences and wildlife laws.
• Knowledge of control devices, chemicals and tools.
• Ability to drive and travel as needed.
• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively.

Responsibilities

• Obtains landowner agreements before services on private lands.
• Uses control devices, chemicals, tools, firearms in operations.
• Performs simple tasks with basic knowledge of wildlife management.
• Maintains tools and keeps records on pesticides and safety.
• Participates in aerial hunting as authorized.
• Maintains weekly contact with the District Supervisor.
• Uses GPS to locate set traps.
• Demonstrates safety in all operations.
• Prepares daily activity records and MIS documents.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Biological sciences knowledge

Control devices

Driving/travel

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma

Farm or ranch background

Tools

GPS

Job description

Job Title

Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Wildlife Services

Proposed Minimum Salary

$2,620.50 monthly

Job Location

Sonora, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description Summary

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 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.

• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and toxicants. 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.

• Other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Farm or ranch background.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

Required Registrations, Certifications and Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license.

Other Requirements:

• May require 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.