Agricultural Program Specialist Wildlife Services I/II/III

DEFINITION Under the direction of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures the Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services); performs vertebrate pest management and damage control caused by wildlife. The incumbent will utilize damage control techniques to protect agriculture, natural resources, property, and threats to human health and safety. The work is concerned with wildlife management operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species. All while following NEPA and CEQA rules and regulations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services) I is the entry level position of the class. Employees at this level will receive general supervision and direction working independently only within fixed guidelines.

Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services) II is the journeyman level position of the class. Employees at this level will receive general supervision and direction. This level is distinguished from level I in that incumbents are assigned the full range of duties. Incumbents at this level are expected to work independently and to only receive occasional instruction as new or unusual situations arise. Incumbents are fully aware of the laws, regulations, and policies of partnering agencies.

Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services) III is the expert level position of the class. Employees at this level will hold specialized certifications and training. Incumbents are expected to exercise significant independent judgement while working independently. They will exercise authority and accept responsibility for recommendations within the range of basic functions and responsibilities commensurate with the duties associated with this position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED This position is supervised by the Agricultural Commissioner/County Sealer of Weights and Measures and/or Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/County Sealer of Weights and Measures. There is no supervision exercised.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Responsible for organizing and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.

Inspects and survey areas; and as necessary, will revise existing Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) programs in close consultation with higher-level management such as the Agricultural Commissioner, local law enforcement, and local game wardens.

Will conduct Wildlife Damage Management operations through the assessment, reduction of, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species.

Responds to complaints related to wildlife damage control problems and public safety concerns. Modifying or adapting established wildlife damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic, or political considerations.

Prepares, constructs, maintains, or sets devices, lures, traps, and related equipment in accordance with applicable regulations; dispatches predatory wildlife through the use of firearms and euthanasia drugs; and utilizes non-lethal techniques as required including chemical immobilization, frightening devices, and avoidance strategies.

Follows all safety rules and procedures in accordance with local, County, State, Federal, and Wildlife Service Program policies. Keeping abreast of changes in any of these as they occur.

Assists in conducting demonstrations and training for others, including other cooperators or other interested groups, on WDM methods, procedures, and program objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services) I Applicants must have 2 years of specialized experience that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, State, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. Experience in wildlife identification.

OR

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife or equivalent plus 1 year of specialized experience that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, State, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. Experience in wildlife identification.

Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services) II Applicants must have 3 years of specialized experience that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, State, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. Experience in wildlife identification. OR

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife or equivalent plus 2 years of specialized experience that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, State, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. Experience in wildlife identification.

Agricultural Program Specialist (Wildlife Services) III Applicants must have 5 years of specialized experience that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, State, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. Experience in wildlife identification.

OR

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife or equivalent plus 3 years of specialized experience that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, State, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques. A Graduate degree in Wildlife Management or equivalent is eligible to substitute for one year of experience at this level only. Experience in wildlife identification.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. Under certain circumstances, a valid driver’s license from another state may be accepted with the intent/requirement to obtain a CADL within 3 months by signing an acknowledgment form.

Ability to pass the California State Department of Justice fingerprinting clearance.

Possession of or the ability to obtain a PC 832 Firearms certificate within one year of employment.

Ability to obtain California Fish and Wildlife Trapper license. Proof of completion of chemical immobilization training. Specific Class Level Requirements Level II In addition to the above must have proof of Chemical euthanasia training Firearms training for handguns, rifle, and shotguns.

Level III In addition to the above must have or have had: Post Certification as a certified armorer. Arial gunner training / certification.

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Working knowledge of

: The techniques, methods, procedures, and devices used in the control and/or management of predatory wildlife including hunting and trapping. The safe and effective us of firearms. Behavior habits, characteristics, and habitats of the local wildlife species that are, or that may become, a threat in terms of public safety, agriculture production, public health, property, or natural resources. Endangered or threatened species and their habitats and location ranges. The appropriate local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, policies, and ordinances pertaining to wildlife damage control: diseases and parasites affecting and/or transmitted by wildlife and predatory species based on the style and location of depredation.

Ability to: interpret and apply the principles and practices of Wildlife Damage Management meeting the standards of local, State, and Federal rules and regulations. Assess animal behavior and make appropriate decisions regarding the capture of destruction of an animal: communicate, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, representatives of other agencies, and the general public. Work with uncooperative and potentially hostile individuals. Provide tactful instruction, demonstrations, and information regarding Wildlife Damage Management; utilize modern office practices and technology to practice the accepted principles and practices of record-keeping and reporting.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed both in an office and field environment; incumbent will drive on surface streets and be exposed to traffic hazards, adverse weather conditions, extreme heat or cold, wetness, air contaminants, fumes/dust, solvents, chemicals, skin irritants, dangerous animals and wildlife, violence, above average noise, firearms, working at heights. Must be able to work irregular shifts and hours as necessary.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the mobility to work in an office and field environment. Requires the ability to sit at desk and intermittently walk, stand, run, climb, balance, bend, squat crawl, twist and reach while performing office duties and/or field work; life and/or move more than 100 pounds of weight; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing, and operating office and specialized equipment. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen. Requires the strength and stamina to perform enforcement duties, including handling firearms, capturing and retraining animals, and driving a motor vehicle.

#J-18808-Ljbffr