by animalpest » 19 Nov 2020, 12:39 pm
Not in the "firearms industry" per se but I employ a fair number of full time employees (wages and salary) in feral and wild animal roles.
All are requred to conduct surveys, monitoring, shooting, trapping and baiting programs on a wide range of species varying from urban to desert regions and everything in between.
They come from a diverse background - farmers, truck drivers, degree qualified zoologists, etc. Each brings different skills and abilities. All can shoot to various degrees but get a heck of a lot better with training and experience!
Some roles require qualifications, most dont. Obviously work that is research, survey or data interpretation needs specific skills. Either way, we train all our own to have qualifications in vertebrate pest management within 2 years while also training on the job. Bit like a traineeship.
Selection criteria requires they must have shot animals. No brainer really for that one. They need to have a strong focus on animal welfare, be trainable, be able to follow instructions and procedures at all times, work alone, be a self starter, be able to come across well to clients and the public.
No drugs, clean police record, fit for age is essential. Oh and speaking of age, my last 2 new employees were aged 23 and 55 so it is not a factor.
Given the amount of money we spend training someone, their previous employment background is important.
Finally, they must be able to go away with other employees, put in big days together, work sleep and get on and be friends at the end of a trip.
Its the person as much as their background.
Professional shooter and trapper
Trainer and consultant
