Wildlife Damage Management Technician

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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:

• Is responsible for technical work involved in animal disease control in livestock and poultry and disease vector eradication programs within an assigned geographic area.

• Inspects and surveys livestock and poultry facilities located on ranches, farms, auction markets, etc., for possible wild vertebrate disease vectors.

• Enters data into established database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding activities, observations, and events.

• Conducts wildlife damage management services and activities using traps, snares, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment. Obtains agreement from landowners, ranchers or administrators prior to conducting wildlife damage management services on land, maintaining regular contact with those involved.

• Uses a variety of various control devices, chemicals, tools, firearms and related equipment needed for wildlife and avian damage management operations. Prepare baits and lures and sets control devices such as snares, traps etc in accordance with standard operating procedures Performs tasks in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

• Maintains and repairs tools, supplies and equipment.

• Maintain state pesticide records and restrictions. Participates as a gunner or ground crew member in aerial hunting activities.

• Reports activities to District Supervisor.

• Uses GPS to identify location of traps, etc.

• Operates and maintains safety in all operations of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and chemicals. Prepares routine records of activities, observations, field conditions and contacts made. Prepares accurate and timely reports and database documents.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduation or GED.

• Farm or ranch background.

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.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Valid driver license.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

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.