Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Texas A&M • Gatesville, TX

9d

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 position supports the Texas Wildlife Services Program, which works to protect Texas agricultural, industrial, and natural resources, as well as public health, safety, and property, by resolving conflicts between wildlife and people through research-based approaches and professional practices.

The technician obtains permission from landowners, ranchers, or administrators before conducting activities on their land and maintains regular contact with cooperators. Duties include preparing baits and lures, setting control devices, conducting field operations in accordance with applicable laws and procedures, maintaining equipment and records, and reporting activities to the District Supervisor. The position may also involve aerial hunting support, travel, evening or weekend meetings and events, and residence in the assigned county, except for designated urban counties.

The role requires safe and orderly work practices, including when operating motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and toxicants. The technician prepares accurate, timely records and management information system documents. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a farm or ranch background, a valid driver license, and the ability to travel and work cooperatively with others.

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 regarding 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 desire 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 work the hours necessary to fulfill job responsibilities, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must reside in the assigned county; counties designated as urban are exempt from this requirement.

Responsibilities

• Obtain agreement from landowners, ranchers, or administrators before conducting wildlife damage management services on their land, and maintain regular contact with them.
• Contact adjacent landowners or residents when needed to advise them of impending wildlife damage management activities.
• Maintain rapport and regular contact 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 according to standard operating procedures.
• Conduct wildlife damage management operations in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain, repair, and safeguard tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain records when using M-44s or other toxic materials, as required by 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 wildlife damage management activities in the assigned area.
• Use GPS to identify locations of set 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 accurate and timely management information system documents weekly or as required.
• Travel as required for official duties, including attendance at night or weekend meetings and participation in out-of-county events.

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