How to Be Wildlife Control Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

When humans encroach on wildlife habitats, it can lead to a number of negative effects, including the increased risk of disease transmission, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in wildlife-related conflicts. In order to mitigate these risks, wildlife control specialists are essential. They use their specialised knowledge of animal behaviour and population dynamics to ensure human safety, as well as maintain healthy ecosystems. By implementing preventive measures, such as habitat protection and non-lethal control methods, wildlife control specialists help to reduce the spread of disease, protect endangered species, and promote peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The minimum educational requirement for a Wildlife Control Specialist is a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
2. Consider a Degree. Most employers will require at least an associate degree in wildlife management or a related field such as biology, zoology, or environmental science.
3. Acquire Field Experience. Field experience is essential to becoming a successful Wildlife Control Specialist. Consider interning or volunteering at wildlife refuges, parks, and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
4. Obtain Certification. To further advance your career, you may want to consider obtaining certification from the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA).
5. Get Licensed. Most states require Wildlife Control Specialists to obtain a license before they can begin practicing. Requirements for licensing vary by state, but typically involve passing an exam and completing a certain amount of continuing education hours.
6. Remain Current on Regulations. To stay competitive in the field, it is important to remain up-to-date on changing regulations and best practices related to wildlife control.

Becoming a wildlife control specialist requires a combination of knowledge, skill and experience. To gain the necessary knowledge, a person should have a strong understanding of animal behavior and biology. A solid background in ecology, conservation, land management and wildlife biology can help prepare a person for the job.

To gain the necessary skills, a person should have experience handling animals and a good understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding wildlife control. Practical experience dealing with animal trapping and removal, as well as providing humane solutions to wildlife-related problems, is also important. Finally, having extensive knowledge of local wildlife and their habitats is essential to becoming a successful wildlife control specialist.

With the right knowledge, skills and experience, a person can become an expert in wildlife control and help keep both animals and people safe.

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Job Description

1. Monitor and assess wildlife activity in residential and commercial areas.
2. Develop wildlife management strategies and plans to mitigate potential wildlife-related problems.
3. Implement appropriate control strategies, such as trapping, habitat modification, and chemical control.
4. Educate the public on wildlife behavior and proper removal techniques.
5. Inspect properties for damage caused by wildlife, and provide repair estimates.
6. Remove and relocate wildlife, when necessary.
7. Maintain records of all wildlife management activities.
8. Respond to emergency calls for assistance with wildlife problems.
9. Interact with government agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Conservation, regarding wildlife regulations and management activities.
10. Provide consultation services on wildlife matters to landowners, businesses, and other organizations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of wildlife biology and ecology
2. Knowledge of local wildlife laws and regulations
3. Ability to assess wildlife damage and develop strategies for prevention and control
4. Ability to safely capture and relocate wildlife
5. Ability to use humane methods for dealing with nuisance wildlife
6. Ability to communicate effectively with the public
7. Knowledge of relevant equipment and tools for wildlife management
8. Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
9. Good physical fitness
10. Good problem solving and analytical skills
11. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
12. Ability to accurately document and report findings

Wildlife control specialists must have a broad range of skills to be successful. Knowledge of the local environment, animal behavior, and the ability to think on the spot are essential. Being organized and able to prioritize tasks is also important in order to ensure that all necessary work is completed in a timely manner.

Furthermore, good communication skills are necessary for working with clients and other professionals, such as veterinarians, to ensure that all their needs are met. Finally, a wildlife control specialist must be able to remain calm and focused in difficult and potentially dangerous situations. This combination of skills allows wildlife control specialists to effectively protect both people and animals from potentially hazardous situations.

Wildlife Surveyor, Wildlife Sanctuary Manager, and Wildlife Educator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have with wildlife control?
• What methods do you use to control animal populations?
• How do you determine the best approach for a particular situation?
• How would you deal with a challenging situation involving a large number of animals?
• Are you comfortable working in difficult environmental conditions?
• What safety precautions do you take when working with wildlife?
• How do you communicate with other professionals regarding wildlife control efforts?
• What techniques do you use to capture and remove animals humanely?
• How do you stay up to date on relevant regulations and best practices for wildlife control?
• How do you ensure that your work will be effective long-term?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Traps. These devices are designed to capture animals for safe removal. (eg: Squirrel trap, raccoon trap)
2. Repellents. Chemical or electronic devices that deter animals from entering an area. (eg: Ultrasonic repellent, scent repellent)
3. Exclusion Products. Products used to block animals from entering an area. (eg: One-way door, chimney cap)
4. Netting. Nets used to capture or prevent access of animals. (eg: Bird netting, nuisance animal netting)
5. Baits. These are used to lure animals into traps or away from an area. (eg: Poison bait, food bait)
6. Habitat Modification. Modifying an area to make it unattractive for wildlife or to limit access. (eg: Regular maintenance, habitat restoration)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA)
2. National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
3. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA)
4. International Association for Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA)
5. The Wildlife Society (TWS)
6. National Trappers Association (NTA)
7. The Fur Institute of Canada (FIC)
8. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
9. Animal Damage Control Association (ADCA)
10. National Animal Control Association (NACA)

We also have Wildlife Rescue Worker, Wildlife Crime Investigator, and Wildlife Preservation Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Trapping. The practice of using traps to capture wildlife.
2. Relocation. The process of safely moving trapped animals to a more suitable habitat.
3. Nuisance Wildlife. Animals that become a nuisance to human activities and can cause damage to property or health risks.
4. Habitat Modification. The alteration of a wild animal’s environment to prevent it from returning and causing issues.
5. Exclusion. Techniques used to prevent animals from entering an area, such as fences or netting.
6. Habitat Management. The process of managing the environment of a wild animal in order to ensure its overall health and safety.
7. Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A long-term strategy for managing pests that uses a combination of techniques, such as exclusion, habitat modification, and trapping.
8. Animal Damage Control (ADC). A program designed to reduce or eliminate damage caused by wildlife species that are classified as a nuisance or are dangerous to humans or property.
9. Lethal Control. The practice of killing animals as a means of population control or to eliminate a nuisance species.
10. Regulatory Compliance. The adherence to regulations and laws related to the management and control of wildlife species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wildlife Control Specialist?

A Wildlife Control Specialist is a professional who specializes in the humane removal, control, and prevention of nuisance wildlife from residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

What kind of wildlife does a Wildlife Control Specialist deal with?

Wildlife Control Specialists typically deal with animals such as raccoons, skunks, moles, bats, birds, squirrels, and other nuisance wildlife.

What methods do Wildlife Control Specialists use?

Wildlife Control Specialists use a combination of humane animal trapping and exclusion methods in order to remove, control, and prevent nuisance wildlife from residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

How long does a Wildlife Control Specialist typically spend on a job?

The amount of time required to complete a job varies depending on the type and number of animals present. On average, a Wildlife Control Specialist will spend anywhere from 1-3 hours on a single job.

Are Wildlife Control Specialists licensed?

Yes, most Wildlife Control Specialists are licensed and/or certified in order to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the humane trapping and exclusion methods for removing, controlling, and preventing nuisance wildlife.

What are jobs related with Wildlife Control Specialist?

• Wildlife Advocate

Web Resources

• Wildlife Control Specialists - University of Rhode Island rhodeislandwoods.uri.edu
• Wildlife Specialist | Natural Resources Job Board - Texas A&M … wfscjobs.tamu.edu
• Texas A&M University - Wildlife Management wildlife.tamu.edu