Wildlife Damage Control Specialist

Job Posting Title

Wildlife Damage Control Specialist

Agency

040 DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD & FORESTRY

Supervisory Organization

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

May 19, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

up to $35,740.00 based on education and experience.

Job Description

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is seeking a full time Wildlife Damage Control Specialist in the Wildlife Services Division. This position (PIN #04000269) is in state government, located in Harper, Woods, and Woodward Counties. The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position is up to $35,740.00 based on education and experience.

Selected applicant must reside in either Woods or Woodward County.

This position may be filled at either a level I or level II.

Position Description:   This is a field position that requires extensive knowledge in tracking, behavior and capture of wildlife in areas where agriculture producers and stakeholders are experiencing damage and economic loss.

Typical Functions:

• Receives requests for wildlife damage control assistance from the general public, federal, state and county officials and other sources; evaluates requests and determines priority; notifies supervisor of scheduled activities and requirements for assistance as needed.
• Makes on-site inspections to identify wildlife species responsible for threat or damage by sight, sound, tracks, type of damage or other appropriate evidence; evaluates damage, economic loss, environmental impact, extent of involvement and other factors; formulates and implements a management plan based on sound biological principles, applicable laws, policies and integrated wildlife damage management strategies; coordinates plans and work activities with supervisor, law enforcement officials, property owner and others as appropriate.
• Uses firearms and class C explosive pyrotechnics to control various types of wildlife or wildlife activities responsible for losses to property, environmental damage or other undesirable affects; may assist in the handling, transporting or placement of class A explosives in conducting various operations; insures that accurate records are maintained on the storage and use of such materials; uses pesticides and other toxicants as required.
• Conducts aerial operations from fixed-wing or other aircraft as assigned, based on required certification; performs ground crew duties involving aerial operations and safety, identifying potential hazards, determining property boundaries, locating targets and monitoring radio transmissions as required; operates four-wheel drive pickups, all-terrain vehicles, water craft and other field equipment.
• Negotiates and completes county funding agreements, reimbursable field agreements and documents and release agreements with individuals, industry officials and local, state and federal agencies; maintains diary of daily activities and prepares computerized and written reports concerning projects and operations; represents the agency at meetings, seminars and discussions regarding wildlife damage management and program objectives.

Level Descriptors:

Level I – This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing a full range of duties at the full performance level in conducting wildlife damage management operations within an assigned area consisting of one to five counties. This will include independent responsibility for completion of all required activities to reduce damage to agricultural, natural or industrial resources and protect life and property within the area by controlling or eliminating damage caused by the wildlife population. Responsibilities may also be assigned for providing training and guidance to new employees or for serving as a team leader on special projects as needed.

Level II – This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing a full range of duties at the full performance level in conducting wildlife damage management operations within an assigned area consisting of one to five counties. This will include independent responsibility for completion of all required activities to reduce damage to agricultural, natural or industrial resources and protect life and property within the area by controlling or eliminating damage caused by the wildlife population. Responsibilities may also be assigned for providing training and guidance to new employees or for serving as a team leader on special projects as needed.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

Level I – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of wildlife biology including the habitats and behavior of various species; of firearms, explosives and other tools used in the control of wildlife species; of toxic pesticides and their environmental effects; and of state and federal laws governing wildlife conservation and management threatened or endangered species and environmental control. Ability is -required to identify various types of wildlife; to evaluate damage from wildlife activities; to use firearms, explosives, pesticides and other wildlife control tools and equipment; to communicate effectively; to prepare technical reports clearly and concisely; and to identify various types of damage caused by wildlife and determine appropriate methods to reduce or eliminate such damage.

Level II – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of wildlife biology including the habitats and behavior of various species; of firearms, explosives and other tools used in the control of wildlife species; of toxic pesticides and their environmental effects; and of state and federal laws governing wildlife conservation and management threatened or endangered species and environmental control. Ability is -required to identify various types of wildlife; to evaluate damage from wildlife activities; to use firearms, explosives, pesticides and other wildlife control tools and equipment; to communicate effectively; to prepare technical reports clearly and concisely; and to identify various types of damage caused by wildlife and determine appropriate methods to reduce or eliminate such damage.

Education and Experience:

Level I – Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of four years of experience in wildlife damage management, wildlife management, vertebrate pest management, wildlife conservation or agriculture or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of college, including six semester hours in any combination of the above areas, for two years of the required experience.

Level II – Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of four years of experience in wildlife damage management, wildlife management, vertebrate pest management, wildlife conservation or agriculture or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of college, including six semester hours in any combination of the above areas, for two years of the required experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: This is a field position and will be required to work in all types of Oklahoma weather conditions.  This position will be exposed to pesticides as well as other outdoor environmental factors.  Must have ability to lift and transport at least 50lb. over all types of terrain.  Must be able to climb ladders and work on rooftops.  Infrequent overnight or weekend work could be required.

Special Requirements:

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position; pass a pre-hire physical examination; complete required firearms safety and pass proficiency training every two years in handguns, large and small bore long guns and large gauge shotguns; and work alone under hazardous conditions, including isolated or remote areas, at night, in deep water, and in adverse weather. Potential exists for exposure to wildlife related diseases such as rabies, histoplasmosis, swine brucellosis, plague and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Positions require an employee to pass exam and maintain a State Restricted-Use Pesticide Applicator’s License for the General and Bird and Predatory Animal Category and may require federal certification in the use of class A explosives and aerial gunning.

This position may be subject to random drug testing. Applicants must possess and maintain a valid Oklahoma driver’s license in order to operate state-owned or leased vehicles.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions through their Workday account. Go to Careers app on WD home screen>Click on ‘Find Jobs-Internal State of Oklahoma’.