Wildlife Damage Control Specialist, #L33
basic purpose:
Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities related to conducting and coordinating wildlife damage management operations and providing technical assistance in the control of various types of wildlife species within an assigned geographical area to reduce or eliminate damages from overpopulation or the natural habits of wildlife within the area. Some positions may be assigned responsibilities for conducting special operations on a statewide basis involving aerial hunting activities, evaluation and control of critical wildlife damage problems and other activities. This includes positions which are responsible for conducting statewide aerial hunting operations from fixed-wing aircraft and similar special operations.
typical functions:
The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:
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:
This job family consists of three levels which are distinguished by the complexity of assigned duties and responsibilities, the expertise required to complete assigned work, and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.
Level I Code: L33A Salary Band: H
This is the basic level of this job family where employees are assigned entry-level responsibilities for conducting and coordinating wildlife damage management operations within an assigned area consisting of one to five counties. In this role they will perform all assigned functions of the position to which assigned under close supervision and receive training in applicable laws and regulations as well as agency policies and procedures.
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; and to prepare technical reports clearly and concisely.
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of two 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 each year of the required experience.
Level II Code: L33B Salary Band: 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level I plus demonstrated ability to identify various types of damage caused by wildlife and determine appropriate methods to reduce or eliminate such damage.
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus two additional years of qualifying experience.
Level III Code: L33C Salary Band: J
This is the leadership level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for coordinating, conducting, and assisting in the direction of wildlife damage management operations in an assigned geographical area. This includes reviewing work performed by staff members assigned within the district, identifying area and problems of critical concern, making recommendations concerning special projects and the completion of program objectives, and performing related administrative tasks. Responsibilities will include wildlife damage management training and supervision of other staff members as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus knowledge of supervisory practices and principles and ability to coordinate and supervise the work of others.
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus two additional years of qualifying experience.
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.