WILDLIFE CONTROL AND RELOCATION SPECIALIST

Many employers in the field of wildlife control and relocation require their workers to receive special training, usually as an apprentice on the job. This is important to ensure the safety and welfare of both animals and people.

The National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) offers a formal professional certification program for workers involved in wildlife control. Professionals with expertise in wildlife damage management and the resolution of wildlife conflict with humans and at least three year's experience may enroll in NWCOA's training courses and eventually be certified as wildlife control professionals. Those with less experience in the field may receive training for certification as apprentice wildlife control professionals.

Earning these certifications is a challenge. You must take courses in wildlife biology, animal handling, health and safety, and other subjects. You have to learn technical skills, public relations skills, and business skills. You have to take more courses throughout your career to maintain the certification. Certification is not required to work in the field of wildlife control, and you might learn everything you ever need to know on the job and through hands-on experience. But it does give you credibility, and when you've got competition from other professionals, that might be what separates you from the pack.