Career as a Wildlife Control Operator

Indoor and Outdoor Environments:

Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs) typically work in both indoor and outdoor environments, and the specific conditions can vary based on the nature of the job. Here’s an overview of the indoor and outdoor work environments for wildlife control operators:

Indoor Work Environments:

• Client Homes and Buildings:

WCOs often spend time indoors at client homes, businesses, or other structures where wildlife issues are present. This involves inspecting indoor spaces, identifying entry points, and setting up traps or exclusion devices.

• Structural Repairs:

After wildlife removal, WCOs may engage in indoor tasks such as repairing structural damage caused by wildlife, sealing entry points, and restoring affected areas.

• Consultation and Communication:

WCOs may spend time indoors communicating with clients, providing consultations, and discussing the details of wildlife issues. This may involve answering phone calls, responding to emails, and preparing reports.

• Equipment Maintenance:

Indoor spaces may be used for the maintenance and preparation of equipment, including cleaning and setting up traps or tools.

Outdoor Work Environments:

• Wildlife Habitat:

WCOs frequently work outdoors in various wildlife habitats, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. They may encounter different environmental conditions depending on the specific location and wildlife species.

• Trapping and Removal:

Setting up traps, monitoring wildlife activity, and safely capturing and removing animals typically occur outdoors. This may involve climbing ladders, accessing roofs, or working in crawl spaces.

• Exclusion Measures:

Implementing exclusion techniques to prevent wildlife re-entry often involves outdoor work, such as sealing gaps, installing barriers, and modifying landscaping.

• Wildlife Release or Relocation:

Releasing captured wildlife in appropriate locations or relocating them to minimise conflicts is done outdoors, following established guidelines and regulations.

• Emergency Response:

Responding to emergency calls, such as situations involving aggressive or injured wildlife, may require outdoor work in various environments.

• Educational Outreach:

Conducting educational outreach programmes or presentations may take place in outdoor settings, especially when interacting with community groups, schools, or homeowners’ associations.

• Site Surveys:

Assessing outdoor areas for signs of wildlife activity, potential entry points, and environmental factors that may contribute to wildlife-related issues.

• Weather Conditions:

Wildlife Control Operators should be prepared to work in various weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, or high humidity, depending on the geographic location.

Places of Employment:

• Private Wildlife Control Companies:

Many WCOs work for private companies that specialise in wildlife control and removal services. These companies may operate locally or regionally, serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

• Pest Control Companies:

Some WCOs may be employed by pest control companies that offer a broader range of services, including pest and wildlife management.

• Government Agencies:

Wildlife Control Operators may work for government agencies at the local, state, or federal levels that are responsible for wildlife management, public safety, or environmental protection.

• Environmental and Conservation Organisations:

WCOs might be employed by non-profit organizations and conservation groups that focus on wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and managing human-wildlife conflicts in ecologically sensitive areas.

• Municipal Animal Control Departments:

In urban and suburban areas, WCOs may work for municipal animal control departments or agencies responsible for addressing issues related to stray or nuisance animals.

• Wildlife Rescues and Rehabilitation Centres:

Some WCOs may find employment in wildlife rehabilitation centres, where they are involved in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned wildlife.

• Zoos and Wildlife Parks:

Wildlife control operators may work for zoos and wildlife parks, particularly in roles related to managing wildlife within the facility and addressing any issues that arise.

• Educational Institutions:

Educational institutions, such as universities and research centres, may employ WCOs for research projects, educational outreach, or to manage wildlife populations on campus.

• Property Management Companies:

WCOs may be hired by property management companies to address wildlife-related issues in residential or commercial properties they manage.

• Emergency Services:

Some WCOs may work in collaboration with emergency services, such as fire departments or law enforcement, to handle wildlife situations that require immediate attention.

• Self-Employment/Entrepreneurship:

Many Wildlife Control Operators choose to establish their own businesses and work as independent contractors, providing wildlife control services to clients in their local area.