Careers in Airport Wildlife Management

Wildlife management is a critical part of airport operations. Many airports are in somewhat rural areas near forests, prairies, or other natural areas, and, with significant grass areas around runways and taxiways, wildlife is a common sight.

Keeping wildlife and aircraft separated is an important job. From large birds to deer and coyotes, much of the wildlife at airports presents a significant hazard for aircraft collisions. Operations staff are presented with the challenge of keeping animals away from movement areas without harming them or interrupting their natural patterns.

Airport Design Considerations

There are a number of design choices airports can make to minimize conflicts between aircraft and wildlife. Landscaping is a major factor in the volume of animals around an airport. Neglected areas can encourage the growth of plants that serve as habitats and food for wildlife, encouraging their presence.

Meanwhile, properly managed landscaping can encourage wildlife to frequent certain parts of airport grounds far away from aircraft areas; it can also keep wildlife completely away from the airport by leading them to other wildlife areas off airport grounds.

Airports often try to lead wildlife to areas with more of their needs, including water, shelter, and safety. Planners even use natural items to deter wildlife by implanting natural hazards into the airport environment long before an animal reaches the runway.

Airport planners also consider nearby manmade features when planning for wildlife prevention. Wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, and contaminant plants nearby can attract wildlife and create additional challenges. Airport managers can plan ahead, though, to know which tactics to use based on which wildlife is native to the area.

Resources Available to Airport Management

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the International Civil Aviation Organization provide guidance, support, and resources to help airports manage the wildlife in their areas. This guidance can play an important role in helping airports ensure they run smoothly while still respecting and caring for the surrounding environment.

Local governments can also play an important role in wildlife conservation at airports. Many regions have local species, and government wildlife management has expertise in ensuring that these animals are protected and honored. Particularly important are state wildlife management agencies, who themselves have specialists to aid airport management. As most airports are publicly owned, government agencies can proactively collaborate to provide constant wildlife support at the airport.

Many airports have approved Wildlife Hazard Management Plans that are reviewed by the FAA and implemented by local governments. These plans provide guidance and policies that dictate how airports must manage their wildlife.

How to Work in Airport Wildlife Management

One way to launch a career in airport wildlife management is to work for government wildlife agencies on the local, state, or federal levels. These agencies write policies that guide airport wildlife management and oversee its implementation. They often require their employees to have a certain amount of experience in wildlife health or management, whether it be through education or practical work experience.

Day-to-day wildlife management is usually passed to airport staff regardless of their backgrounds. This is where the aforementioned federal guidance on wildlife comes into play: for employees with minimal wilderness experience.

However, some larger airports have specialized advisors overseeing large-scale operations. These advisors can come from third party organizations or work directly with the airport authority. Either way, they play a crucial role in making sure the wildlife is handled with care without interrupting airport operations.

Airport wildlife management is a rewarding and fulfilling career. It ensures that travel continues safely and efficiently without interrupting or harming wildlife and their natural habits. Experts must minimize harm to both animals and aircraft, and their roles carry significant weight. However, plenty of support resources are available to ensure continued success across the country and around the world.

• Author
• Recent Posts

John McDermott

John McDermott is a commercial pilot pursuing a career in professional flight. His passion for aviation began in an Ann Arbor bookstore with a tale of enemy pilots during World War 2, and he hasn't looked back. Besides flying and writing for AirlineGeeks, John volunteers with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and travels whenever he gets the chance.

Latest posts by John McDermott (see all)

• Careers in Airport Wildlife Management - September 27, 2024
• How To Become a Flight Test Engineer - August 22, 2024
• How To Become a Chief Pilot - August 22, 2024