Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist

Title: Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range:Starting at $55000 annually (salary to commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location:Region IV Office Verona

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position supports the agency mission by delivering off-site technical assistance (e.g. by phone or electronically) to Virginia citizens statewide regarding wildlife disease/injury response and management human-wildlife conflict management and assistance with other Wildlife Division program and services. Work will focus on assessment of disease/injury and conflict situations and means by which to eliminate or mitigate potential public safety and wildlife population risk factors while conserving wildlife populations within the Commonwealth. The incumbent will provide educational information and technical guidance to private citizens about human-wildlife conflicts and how to mitigate the conflicts extending the more urgent types of wildlife conflict response services provided by the USDA wildlife helpline during non- business hours. This position will coordinate necessary on-the-ground response activities to be conducted by DWR staffs local authorities commercial wildlife control operators and private citizens to facilitate and direct appropriate responses to wildlife disease/injury and wildlife conflict situations.
Wildlife disease and human-wildlife conflict management data will be integrated into existing databases and analyzed for significant spatial and temporal trends to aid in future management efforts and direct outreach needs. As needs and capacities dictate the incumbent may also assist with other Wildlife Division programs and services such as conducting wildlife surveys collecting biological samples capturing wild animals collecting and maintaining data preparing reports and maintaining equipment. During spring summer and early fall this position will primarily work weekends and some/most weekday evenings but other DWR staffs will be utilized to ensure this position isnt scheduled every evening and weekend during this time frame. From early fall through early spring scheduled work hours may be shifted to regular business hours as needs and capacities dictate.
Please note this position will work from an assigned location and may require some statewide travel to include overnight travel. Agency management expectations are for the incumbent to travel most often within 100-mile radius in any direction of the (Verona Virginia area).

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of wildlife management principles and associated ecological concepts; Working knowledge of the habits characteristics and habitats occupied by a variety of avian and mammalian species that are or that may become a threat to agricultural production airport safety human health and safety property or natural resources; Knowledge of common wildlife damage control methods equipment and techniques and ability to convey appropriate wildlife damage management options effectively to the public; Knowledge of wildlife diseases common to Virginia and ability to implement protocols associated with surveillance and response to disease outbreaks; Working knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply local State and Federal regulations laws policies etc.; Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team or independently; Considerable knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office and statistical analysis software; Ability to interact and engage with diverse agency personnel and publics; Ability to resolve conflict and achieve effective solutions; Exhibit a customer service oriented approach when working with constituents and partners; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing including demonstrated ability to relate technical knowledge to technical and non-technical publics and to deal effectively with those groups; Ability to think critically in stressful situations.

Additional Considerations

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Experience working with a diversity of people including state federal and non-governmental resource professionals agricultural producers industry professionals and other community representatives and citizens.
2. Considerable knowledge of wildlife ecology and management with equivalent of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in wildlife conservation and management practices or related field (biology ecology human dimensions of natural resources etc.).
3. Demonstrated knowledge of understanding the major types of human-wildlife conflicts including for large mammals (bears deer) and for smaller species (coyote fox raccoon squirrel opossum etc.). Preferred to have experience directly addressing human-wildlife conflicts with citizens.
4. Experience with conservation or environmental outreach or education to share with the public about wildlife resource needs.
5. Ability to conduct frequent discussions with the public regarding humanwildlife interactions including resolving wildlife conflicts.
6. Experience in wildlife management technical assistance and knowledge of wildlife capture immobilization and handling techniques.
7. Experience working independently to carry out duties and responsibilities.
8. Requires valid state drivers license and ability to travel throughout Virginia on a regular basis.
9. Proficient in working in a computer environment including using Microsoft Office applications.
10. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (use active listening to build trust and establish rapport) with a variety of people.
11. Strong written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or rsum is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or rsum is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Applicants who submit an incomplete application or an application without an attached resume will not be considered eligible for an interview.
Ensure that all required documents and your completed application are submitted online by 11:55 PM on the Job Close Date to be considered for this excellent career opportunity with Virginias Department of Wildlife Resources.
Faxed emailed and mailed applications will not be accepted for consideration.
Cover letters will be accepted in conjunction with completed application and resume.
DWR is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race sex color national or ethnic origin religion sexual orientation gender identity age veteran status political affiliation genetics or disability. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities if requested during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed with he application and/or interview please contact Human Resources Office at .
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or rsum is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Commonwealths Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.
DWR is a proud member of Virginia Values VETERAN PROGRAM. Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability use the link:
Or call DARS at or DBVI at .

Contact Information

Name: Marlo Gibson

Phone: 804.367.0243

Email:

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.