Feral Hog Trapper (Permanent)

Requisition Id: 3034 

Salary: $35,616.00 - $43,596.00  

Salary Grade: S5 

Job Location:  Home Address (HOME)  - Must live in one of the following counties: Shannon, Carter, Wayne, Oregon, Dent, St. Francois, or Ripley

Closing Date: April 9, 2024

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC. 

To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor- Ryan Houf at Ryan.Houf@mdc.mo.gov

Summary/Objective

Successful candidates will be responsible for organizing, conducting, and implementing direct control operations for feral hogs.

Essential Job Duties

• Responds to landowner requests for assistance with feral hog damage.
• Meets with landowner, inspects damage, in cooperation with landowner devises a plan to eliminate feral hogs from landowner’s property.
• Work with area managers on Conservation Areas and other public partner properties to locate feral hog damage and take actions to eliminate feral hogs from the areas/properties.
• Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will prepare or revise existing programs.  Assigned areas are ranches, farms, and urban communities within the county which are covered by agreements relating to the conduct of approved control methods.  
• Prepares and assists others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events and other relevant data.
• Meets with private landowners, lessees, citizen groups or associations which seek feral hog damage control and negotiates control strategies that help meet the landowners’ s goals.
• Serves as an instructor and conducts demonstrations and training for others on feral hog damage control methods, procedures, and program objectives. 
  • This includes preliminary instructions and training of Department and partner staff on devices, chemicals, firearms, etc., reporting procedures, data collection, field responsibilities and other technical aspects of the animal damage program.
• Represents the Department at public outreach events.  
• Responsible for reporting accomplishments, problems encountered, work locations, etc. to supervisor.  
• Responsible for Department-owned equipment for which an inventory must be maintained and reported.
• Must demonstrate a respect for the need for safety in all operations including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, and equipment. 

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
• Must have 6 months of general work experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Biological Science, or related field is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain partnerships and cooperative working relationships with landowners and other partners.
• Experience in identifying North American wildlife species is desirable.
• Experience in the principles of wildlife ecology and management in support of a wildlife management program.
• Experience in preparing baits and setting traps in accordance with standard procedures.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Experience keeping routine and basic records of daily activities and observations.
• Experience in conducting basic computer operations for record keeping, data analysis, report writing and correspondence.
• Experience in operating GPS equipment, reading maps, and orienting to remote locations.
• Experience in wildlife damage mitigation methods and techniques.
• Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop a solution to solve the problem.
• Able to develop new insights into situations and apply innovative solutions to solve the problem.
• Must demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.
• Must demonstrate a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, trailers, UTVs, firearms, control devices, and equipment.
• Must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms.
• Must be Hunter Education Certified.

Work Environment

• Frequently work outdoors, often in rugged terrain and inclement weather (typically between zero and ten days per month).
• Work may be performed outdoors where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions are present.
• Occasion