Aerial gunnery involved! (minigun?)

Job Open Date 10-31-2007
Position Title Wildlife Damage Management Specialist--Mobile Force
Hiring Unit TCE Wildlife Services
NOV Number 02984
Job Type Full-Time
Salary
Starting salaries for positions may be negotiable based upon qualifications and experience 24,980 or commensurate
Pay Basis Monthly
Budgeted? Budgeted - with benefits
Position open to internal candidates only?
(TCE County Programs positions only) Yes
Location Other (see position announcement)
District (required for TCE County Programs positions only)
County (required for TCE County Programs positions only)
Major/Essential Duties of Job Work primarily involves the performance of duties relating to wildlife damage management techniques aimed at managing wildlife damage, particularly that of coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, feral hogs, and other predators when they conflict with man's economic interest, health or safety. In addition, this position may require frequent work pertaining to the control of damage caused by beavers. Assists the district supervisor by troubleshooting complex wildlife damage management situations and provide direct control or technical assistance in routine and special project operations. May assist the supervisor in planning, developing, and administering unique and special projects, and may serve as a team leader when necessary. Works as a member of a select workforce in accelerated and emergency programs such as disease surveillance, and critical damage situations. Provides training and instruction to inexperienced personnel in the usage of wide variety of mechanical wildlife damage management devices, chemicals, firearms, etc. Assists the supervisor in conducting field inspections of wildlife damage management technicians. Must participate as an aerial gunner or ground crewmember for aerial operations to control predator damage.
Occasional Duties Performs other duties as required.
Required Education and Experience (1) High school diploma or GED; (2) working knowledge of farming or ranching operations; (3) two years wildlife damage management experience; (4) ability to conduct presentations; (5) physically fit and must be able to walk long distances in steep, rocky and irregular terrain to include swamps and upland sites; (6) ability to work in extreme heat and cold weather; (7) ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; (8) must have a valid Texas drivers license; (9) must have a telephone in residence as a condition of employment; (10) required to become a certified rotary aerial gunner; (11) must be able to travel extensively away from home. Requires ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Preferred Education and Experience
Required Education: High school graduate or GED.
Preferred Education:
Required Experience: Must have performed duties related to wildlife damage management control techniques.
Preferred Experience: Previous experience as a Wildlife Damage Management Technician, or related experience pertaining to the control and management of wildlife predation.
Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills: Knowledge of the habits, characteristics, and habitats occupied by a wide variety of mammalian, rodent, and avian species that are, or may become, threats to the economic interests, public health or human and/or livestock safety. Knowledge of endangered species concepts that may come in conflict with any phase of wildlife damage management programs. Knowledge of integrated pest management. Knowledge of federal aerial hunting regulations, as well as toxic material application procedures. Ability to effectively communicate orally to coordinate and organize special projects, and to perform training and demonstration duties.
Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Comments to Applicants This position is available only to current employees of TCE Wildlife Services.

Selectee for this position will provide WDMS-Mobile Forces services in the College Station District, and may be required to work in other districts within the program as the need arises.

Duty station will be determined based on the residence of the selectee.

Applicants for this position must already be an employee of TCE-Wildlife Services.

An official vehicle will be provided as available. Mileage will be paid at the rate set by applicable regulations if no official vehicle is available. Travel expenses are paid according to regulations governing travel or as otherwise directed.

Employment is contingent upon the agency's verification of credentials and/or other information required by agency procedures, including the completion of a criminal history check.

Not too bad of a job.

I would prefer the Halliburton Hunting Guide job they had posted, oh maybe 3 years ago.

Paid 49K a year, live on 45K acre ranch; full benefits. Not a bad gig either.

You would think they would pay above the poverty line. 24,980 would not pay my liquor bill.

Extensive travel for 24grr my ass!

Ahhh yes, 24Gs and what it also doesn't mention is after who knows how many years you'll max out at maybe 40-43k. And when you travel there are some really neat tricks they pull too. Hope the lucky winner likes $36/day per diem and forced use of "contract" motels. Then to top it all off, you basically float the state a loan for up to 6 weeks while they review your travel voucher. Though it also doesn't say it, the chances of getting a position like that without a college degree are slim to none.

Aah, you gotta love the wildlife profession. Actually I love my job, but thank God I'm not concerned about keeping up with Jones. FYI to any wildlife students who may read this thread--if you are serious about the wildlife profession and like to hunt, go ahead and get it in your head chances are you will barely be able to afford it, and during peak times you will be working. I've known a lot of guys that get depressed when the realizations of the wildlife profession kick in.

"axe, cow, plow, gun ,and FIRE"--know them and use them

[This message has been edited by ursusguy (edited 11/7/2007 1:07p).]

Don't forget all the great "seasonal jobs" out there ursusguy. As ursus guy said, wildlife students, you better be in this profession for the love of the work and not for money. There will be alot of highschool grads making more money than you.

Ahh yes, the seasonal work. Yeah, just getting your foot in the door usually means a few years of poverty. For the first 4-5 years out of A&M, my best year was $10,000, and that's when I was in grad school. Now during that time I got to do deer work in the Florida Keys, went to grad school (chased deer around for a couple more years in south Texas for my project), and spent several summers chasing bears around in NM and Montana. Throw in some time working turkeys, elk in NM, and a little coyote and bobcat stuff, and I had a hell of a lot of fun--just no money. And yes, all the previous mentioned jobs required a college degree, a couple required my MS. In the end, I kicked the door open and landed a full time position. My first year I made about ~$25,000. After the previous 5 years, I felt like I was rich. When I hunt it usually means I'm borderline begging, or spending hours in July and August on a chainsaw. All said, I still wouldn't trade it for a standard desk job.

"axe, cow, plow, gun ,and FIRE"--know them and use them

Makes me feel a little better about the job I got today.

Oh yeah, I'm employed finally!! C'mon graduation!

Exactly the reason I changed from WFSC over to engineering.

sounds like a glorified dog catcher!

really, it sounds like more fun than i have anyday. but i'm well compensated to stick with my boring job...24Gs is depressing.