Wildlife Tech II - Port of Portland : Job Details

The Port of Portland is hiring a

Wildlife Technician II

The Port of Portland is a gateway to the globe. We operate multiple airports, marine terminals, and business parks that connect people and passengers, drive economic growth, and improve our region's quality of life. Here at the Port, this is an essential role that is dedicated to the life safety of air travelers and safe aviation operations.

Your Role:

As a Wildlife Technician II you will monitor Port's owned airfields (PDX, HIO, TTD) for wildlife that pose a risk to aircraft safety; take appropriate action to reduce potential aircraft strike incidents (including hazing, trapping and removal of wildlife); identify attractants that draw wildlife to PDX and recommend short and long-term modifications to habitat and structures to address species of concern.

* Conduct inspections of Port-owned airports and surrounding properties.

* Disperse or remove wildlife species of concern for aviation safety using vehicles, and a range of industry-specific tools including specialized pyrotechnics, traps, firearms, lasers, and remote noise deterrent systems.

* Record highly detailed and accurate data.

* Maintain an accurate database and documentation to ensure regulatory compliance

* Respond to emergency situations at Port owned airports regarding injured or displaced wildlife.

* Determine the most appropriate course of action, and either respond or coordinate with the appropriate agency/department to resolve the situation.

* Make decisions about whether to transport or euthanize injured wildlife and implement necessary action.

* Respond to wildlife/aircraft strike events which may include investigation, DNA sample collection and reporting to the FAA.

* Under direction of the Wildlife Manager, implement direct lethal control to remove wildlife that poses an unacceptable risk to aviation safety.

* Conduct humane trapping of specific species of wildlife, whether for removal from the airfield or for transport to a rehabilitation center.

* Support the Starling program through trapping, euthanizing and traps maintenance.

* Coordinate with adjacent property owners (golf courses, Oregon Air National Guard, etc.) to access property for wildlife monitoring and intervention when needed.

* Use adaptive management principles.

* Analyze data in the Port's Wildlife Information System to inform proactive wildlife control strategies. Gather information to determine if change is justified, implement the change, and monitor the results

* Routinely check on the condition of wildlife control equipment and maintain in proper working order.

* Serve as a trainer for the MHCC Co-op student and oversee them while on shift

* Participate in bi-monthly small mammal surveys following established protocols to ensure compliance with the FAA requirement for continual prey-base monitoring.

* Assist with trapping efforts, species identification, necropsies, and collection.

Education and Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of applied field experience is required, one of which should be in an Associate of Science in Wildlife Management or airfield environment. Or the equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience in, Natural Resources Management, or a related field.

* Applied field experience is required, one year of which should be in an airfield environment. Internship experience with the Wildlife Program at PDX is preferred.

* Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge required.

* Valid driver's license (required).

* Must be able to accomplish and maintain firearms proficiency (required)

* Identify and assess the potential hazard of a given situation and exercise professional judgment and independent action when dispersing wildlife in an airfield environment [required].

Demonstrated Skill and Knowledge:

* Perform highly detailed and accurate data entry.

* Safely use firearms in complex urban environments such as airfields.

* Implement appropriate euthanasia techniques based on a personal assessment of the situation, animal's condition, location, and equipment available to ensure the action is ethical and humane.

* Maintain accurate records, analyze data, and employ well-developed computer skills.

* Follow and implement Standard Operating Procedures

* Airport operations.

* Oregon Air National BASH program.

* PDX, HIO and TTD Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.

* Understanding of local, state, and federal wildlife control regulations

* Principles of ecological field sampling and analysis.

* The ability to identify specifically avian species, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians and their habitat requirements

* Local native and invasive plant and animal species, their biology and ecology and interrelationships.

SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources.

2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials including any responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

3. Our goal is to schedule first-round interviews with candidates who successfully passed the SME evaluation step as soon as possible. The first round will typically include the recruiter and the hiring manager.