Critter Control Expands Certification Process for Advancing Employees

 TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Critter Control recently announced an internally managed professional development program advancing technicians and co-workers upon successful completion to a new status titled Certified Wildlife Specialist.

The Company’s comprehensive Operations Manual, completely updated for 2006, provides the basis for the study material required for the exam and certification process. The Vertebrate Pest Management section relative to the exam was developed in cooperation with staff from Michigan State University's Pesticide Education Program, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, and Wildlife Biologists from Critter Control Critter Control’s new Certified Wildlife Specialist badge © . Those individuals receiving a passing grade of 80% or better will receive a Critter Control Certified Wildlife Specialist Certificate and Certified Wildlife Specialist patches. Technicians successfully completing the rigid examination are given special consideration for promotional opportunities and pay advances.

The 112 question certification test focuses on state and federal laws that regulate Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) with a particular focus on certifying Critter Control technicians in Animal Damage Control (ADC) or Wildlife Damage Management (WDM). An emphasis is also placed on wildlife behavior, biology, increased pressures on wildlife habitats and public awareness and expectations regarding wildlife management practices.

Jeff Livingston of the Dallas/Ft. Worth office saw the benefit of becoming a Certified Wildlife Specialist as he was named the 2005 Critter Control ‘Co-Worker of the Year’ at Critter Control’s annual franchise meeting just last month.