Airside Wildlife Program Manager

About the role

The Airfield Wildlife Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and continuous improvement of the Airport's Wildlife Hazard Management Program in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139.337, applicable FAA Advisory Circulars, federal and state permits, and airport policies.

Responsibilities

• Administers, manages, and evaluates all aspects of the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) to ensure full compliance with FAA regulations and guidance.
• Develops program priorities, goals, and performance metrics; recommends improvements and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Oversees the development, revision, and enforcement of wildlife management policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Prepares and submits required reports to FAA, USDA, USFWS, state wildlife agencies, and other regulatory bodies.
• Conducts Wildlife Hazard Assessments and prepares ecological assessments as required.
• Mentors, and develops a team of Wildlife Inspectors.
• Serves as the airport's subject matter expert on wildlife hazards, collaborates with internal departments and external agencies, and ensures the safe, compliant, and effective management of wildlife attractants and risks to aircraft operations.

Requirements

• Expert knowledge of FAA wildlife regulations, 14 CFR Part 139, and relevant Advisory Circulars.
• Strong understanding of wildlife behavior, ecology, and habitat management.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare technical reports, and present findings clearly.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with regulators, tenants, airlines, and internal departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, wildlife reporting systems, and GIS tools.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment in high risk environments.
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, and technical documents.
• Must obtain and maintain a SIDA badge in accordance with TSA regulations.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing (safety-sensitive position).
• Must obtain and maintain CBP security clearance if required.
• Must complete firearms safety training and maintain proficiency.
• Must maintain all required wildlife, pest control, and depredation permits.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, lifting (0–50+ lbs), bending, climbing, and reaching.
• Work performed in extreme weather, high-noise environments, and around aircraft operations.
• Exposure to wildlife, insects, chemicals, and noxious fumes.
• Regular use of vehicles, radios, computers, firearms, and wildlife dispersal equipment.
• Must meet vision requirements (minimum 20/40 in each eye with or without correction).
• Must obtain and maintain movement area driving qualifications.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, wildlife management, biology, natural sciences, environmental science, or related field.
• Required: Five (5) years of full-time professional experience implementing an airport Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.
• Preferred: Master's degree in environmental sciences, biology, or related field.
• Preferred: Two to four (2-4) years experience in wildlife control, animal handling, trapping, and habitat management.
• Preferred: Two to four (2-4) years supervisory experience in wildlife or airport operations.
• Preferred: Experience with firearms, pyrotechnics, and wildlife dispersal equipment.
• Preferred: Experience with mosquito or arthropod control programs.