Jody Nicholas
Colfax,CA
Summary
26 years as a wildlife specialist with a background in conducting detailed field research, and resolving animal-human conflicts. Skilled in data analysis, species identification, trapping, capturing, shooting, removal of troublesome wildlife, ecological monitoring, and protecting agricultural resources. Demonstrated ability to lead team projects to successful completion, contributing significantly to understanding of local wildlife populations and ecosystems. Implemented innovative techniques that improved data collection efficiency, accuracy, and collaboratively work to resolve issues.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Specialist
USDA
Sacramento , California
12.1999 - Current
- Collaborate with other specialists, organizations, and the public to engaged or interested in controlling damage caused by wildlife
- Work closely with Agricultural Commissioners and staff to ensure Wildlife Damage Management services provided are consistent with county level needs
- Identify/examine damage and work together to solve the problem with technical assistance: professional recommendations, hazing, nonlethal methods or lethal methods
- Provide technical assistance to numerous property and resource owners to assist with increasing public knowledge in effective wildlife damage management
- Perform duties with respect for safety in all operations, including operation of motor vehicles, firearms, traps, control devices, and other equipment in accordance with local, State, and Federal laws and regulations , and policies
- Maintain a positive working relationship with all contacts in the course of the job
- Assigned to Placer County for 10 years and El Dorado and Alpine County for the past 16 years
- Train and utilize hunting dogs to assist in finding evidence of damage (carcasses), locating and capturing troublesome wildlife (mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and pigs)
- Building and maintaining a variety of equipment related to wildlife damage/control operations
- Participated in numerous public safety responses across the state involving mountain lions, black bears, coyotes and other wildlife negatively effected by the emergency wild fires, diseases, and/or human health and safety incidences
Education
High School Diploma -
Placer High School
Auburn, CA06-1989
USDA
Sacramento, CASkills
- Accurate assessment of wildlife damage
- Identification of animal species
- Work well with others to resolve the issue
- Strength in the ability to bring people together even in high stress situations
- Access to appropriate gear and ability to perform physical duties
- Training hunting dogs
- Expertise in setting, maintaining, and constructing a variety of equipment necessary for success of the job
- Participate as a lead in outreach events to educate partner agencies and the public in wildlife management tools and techniques
Timeline
Wildlife Specialist
USDA
12.1999 - Current
High School Diploma -
Placer High School
USDA