THE ROLE

The Dog Team Handler is the primary handler for Wildlife Innovations' Canada Goose hazing dog team, the front line of an adaptive, science-based goose management program in city and state parks across the San Francisco Bay Area. Working alongside our wildlife biologists, you run daily patrols of high-conflict parks and waterfronts, deter geese with your assigned dog, and document what works, so the program stays humane, regulatory-compliant, and driven by evidence.

This is a field-intensive job and a partnership with a working dog: you house, care for, and maintain the training of your assigned dog, and the dog's performance is part of your record. Handlers who perform well have a path into management roles and into our other conservation and wildlife management programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Handle, care for, and maintain the training of the hazing dog team; work with the wildlife biologist to deter Canada Geese from high-conflict areas
• Conduct daily hazing patrols in assigned parks and waterfronts; digitally document goose activity, dog performance, and hazing efficacy
• Assist WI wildlife biologists with data collection and other program tasks
• Operate and maintain field equipment, including company trucks, boats, UAS, and ATVs, in accordance with safety and permit requirements
• Prepare concise field logs and contribute to technical reports and client deliverables
• Coordinate with park staff and the public to keep the program transparent and compliant

This list is representative, not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned.

ABOUT WILDLIFE INNOVATIONS

We are a DGS-certified small/micro business specializing in wildlife research, monitoring, and management. We support the protection and recovery of listed species, help clients maintain environmental compliance, rescue injured and contaminated wildlife, and mitigate risks to human health and safety, working with state and federal agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders across construction sites, airports, military installations, ports, and city and state parks. Our approach is grounded in the relationships between species in local ecosystems and the stressors created by human modification of the landscape; we use advanced monitoring and surveillance techniques to resolve wildlife conflicts, improve management outcomes, and support the recovery of focal species. Most staff are cross-trained across projects, with strong mentorship, professional development, and clear paths for advancement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Demonstrated experience handling and training working or herding dogs, for goose hazing, wildlife control, search-and-rescue, herding, or similar (required; applicants without it will not be considered)
• Willingness to house your assigned dog and provide its daily care and training maintenance (required)
• Two or more years of wildlife, animal control, or related fieldwork; familiarity with humane wildlife deterrence techniques
• Strong record-keeping, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record; California license obtained within six months of hire
• Willingness to take on additional training to build skills and as part of continuing education

Preferred — tell us about any that apply

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, or a related field, or equivalent field experience
• Prior Canada Goose management experience: hazing, nest searching, egg addling
• Experience training other dog handlers for goose hazing, wildlife control, search-and-rescue, herding, or similar
• FAA Part 107 certificate; boating experience or California Boater Card; first aid/CPR certification
• Experience composing technical reports
• Experience interacting with the public on wildlife conflict issues

Working conditions

• Hike, boat, or wade in variable terrain and weather; lift and carry 50 lb or more
• Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as goose activity and the project schedule require

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary: $65,000–$85,000 per year, depending on experience. Handlers with a proven goose-hazing dog, prior Canada Goose management work, or a record of training other handlers are compensated at the upper end of the range.
• Benefits: health plan, paid time off, sick leave, and retirement plan eligibility (subject to length of employment); bonus eligibility (subject to employee and company performance).
• Professional development: reimbursement for approved training, certifications, and continuing education, including dog-handling and field certifications.
• Start date: as soon as the successful candidate is selected.