Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Texas A&M University System • Gatesville, TX

10d

About The Position

The Wildlife Damage Management Technician conducts wildlife damage management services and activities using traps, snares, chemicals, tools, firearms, and related equipment. The role supports the Texas Wildlife Services Program, which addresses conflicts between people and wildlife and protects agricultural, industrial, and natural resources, as well as public health, safety, and property.

The technician obtains landowner or administrator agreement before conducting work, maintains regular contact with cooperators, and may notify adjacent landowners or residents about planned activities. Work includes preparing baits and lures, setting control devices, carrying out routine wildlife damage management operations under applicable procedures and laws, maintaining equipment, documenting activities, and reporting to the District Supervisor. The position may also involve aerial hunting activities as a gunner or groundcrew member when authorized.

The role requires safe, orderly work with vehicles, firearms, control devices, and toxicants; accurate and timely records; travel and possible evening or weekend work; access to a personal vehicle with appropriate liability insurance; and residence in the assigned county, except where the county is designated urban.

Requirements

• 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 concerning wildlife damage management activities.
• Knowledge of control devices, chemicals, and tools used to manage damage caused by predators.
• Ability to drive and travel as needed to perform duties.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong service ethic and willingness to work with all audiences in the assigned county, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.
• Valid driver license.
• Access to a personal vehicle and appropriate liability insurance; willingness to obtain and maintain a valid driver license.
• Willingness to work the hours necessary to fulfill job responsibilities, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must reside in the assigned county, except for counties designated as urban.

Responsibilities

• Obtain agreement from landowners, ranchers, or administrators before conducting wildlife damage management services and maintain regular contact with them.
• Contact adjacent landowners or residents when needed to advise them of upcoming wildlife damage management activities.
• Maintain rapport and regular communication with cooperators.
• Use control devices, chemicals, tools, firearms, and related equipment in wildlife and avian damage management operations.
• Prepare baits and lures and set snares, traps, and other control devices in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Perform routine, repetitive wildlife damage management tasks and conduct operations in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain, repair, and safeguard tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain required records when using M-44s or other toxic materials, in accordance with pesticide statutes, regulations, and Environmental Protection Agency use restrictions.
• Participate as a gunner or groundcrew member in authorized aerial hunting activities in accordance with applicable agreements and regulations.
• Maintain weekly contact with the District Supervisor to report activities in the assigned area.
• Use GPS to identify locations of traps, snares, and M-44s.
• Conduct duties safely and orderly to avoid endangering oneself, coworkers, the public, or property.
• Prepare routine records of daily activities, observations, field conditions, and contacts.
• Prepare management information system documents weekly or as required, ensuring they are accurate and submitted on time.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave.
• At least 8 hours per month of 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED