Wildlife Damage Management Technician

Texas A&M University System • Leakey, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Farm or ranch background.
• Computer competencies required.
• Strong service ethic and desire to work with all audiences in assigned county, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• 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).

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.
• Is 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 groundcrew member in aerial hunting activities as authorized by cooperative agreements and in accordance with state ad 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 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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