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State Trapper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $160K/yr

VARTM, compression molding, trapped rubber molding, or wet layup. * Software/coding knowledge (C ... S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. We may use artificial intelligence (AI ...

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State Trapper information

What is a state trapper?

State Trappers are wildlife professionals employed by state agencies to manage and control populations of nuisance or problematic wildlife. Their work often involves trapping and removing animals that pose threats to agriculture, property, or public safety, such as coyotes, beavers, or raccoons. State Trappers use humane and regulated methods to ensure the balance between wildlife conservation and human activities. They may also assist with disease monitoring and educational outreach about wildlife management. This role requires knowledge of animal behavior, trapping techniques, and relevant state regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state trapper?

To thrive as a State Trapper, you need expertise in wildlife biology, animal behavior, and safe handling techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or state licensure. Familiarity with trapping equipment, GPS devices, and state wildlife management systems is typically required. Strong observation skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working with both animals and the public. These skills ensure humane, efficient wildlife management while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by state trappers in the field, and how are they addressed?

State Trappers often encounter challenges such as working in remote or difficult terrain, handling potentially dangerous wildlife, and addressing conflicts with landowners or the public. These challenges are typically managed through rigorous training in safety protocols, wildlife handling, and effective communication skills. Additionally, State Trappers collaborate closely with other wildlife professionals and agencies to ensure humane and legal practices, and they often participate in ongoing education to stay updated on best practices and regulations.

What is the difference between State Trapper vs Wildlife Control Technician?

AspectState TrapperWildlife Control Technician
CredentialsMay require trapping licenses and state-specific certificationsOften requires pest control or wildlife removal certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, rural or suburban areas, trapping and removing wildlifeIndoor and outdoor, focusing on humane wildlife removal from properties
Employer & IndustryState agencies, wildlife management programsPest control companies, wildlife removal services

The main difference is that State Trappers typically work for state agencies with a focus on wildlife management and may require specific trapping licenses. Wildlife Control Technicians usually work for pest control companies, handling humane wildlife removal in residential or commercial settings. Both roles involve wildlife removal but differ in employment, credentials, and work environment.

What job categories do people searching State Trapper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for State Trapper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for State Trapper jobs?

Cities in California with the most State Trapper job openings:

Infographic showing various State Trapper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Fruit Fly Trapper

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$26.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

POSITION TITLE: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Fruit Fly Trappers (1 immediate openings)

DEPARTMENT: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Fruit Fly Eradication Program

LOCATION: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย San Jose, CA

REPORTS TO: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Lead Agricultural Specialist or Designee

FLSA STATUS: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Pay Rate: $26.20 Hour


The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority established as a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Counties of Yolo and Trinity. Over time, CASS has significantly expanded its reach across California, delivering essential support to the agricultural industry and its consumers.


CASS specializes in providing comprehensive human resources and administrative support services to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural programs. Its diverse program activities include agricultural inspections, pest prevention, and other critical initiatives administered by CDFA, county agricultural commissioners, and various public agencies.


By fostering collaboration and leveraging expertise, CASS continues to play a vital role in supporting California's agricultural industry and safeguarding the quality and safety of its products.

Our current work includes:


Agricultural Commodity Grading Program

Grading using County, State, and Federal standards

Emergency Pest Detection Trapping and Survey program

Professional Develop and Educational Training

We are seeking enthusiastic trappers for our fruit fly eradication program!

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:ย 

Follow established protocols for trapping and survey work.ย 

Safely operate and maintain a motor vehicle to travel to designated work areas.ย 

Service traps perform insect sweeps and visually inspect local plant hosts for target pest damage.ย 

Remove suspect plant and insect samples from foliage or from a variety of insect collection tools and check for target pests.

Draw and follow maps when performing field activities. Use GPS technology to site- register and package samples. Maintain site location and sample integrity.ย 

Keep daily reports of work completed, i.e., number of traps serviced, properties treated, acreage surveyed, samples collected, and other information as needed.ย 

Screen wet and dry traps for target pests (plant and insect). ย Examine the contents of traps to make a preliminary identification of specimens that resemble target pests.

Take prescribed action when a preliminary identification of a target pest is made which may include but is not limited to, drawing a map of the find site, completing a Pest Detection Report form, and placing the sample in an appropriate container.

Initiate contact with a property owner or representative to conduct a visual survey, place traps, or carry out eradication activities. ย 

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma

Valid Driver's License with good driving record

Ability to adapt to a flexible work environment

Self-Starter and proactive

Excellent Oral and Written Communication skills

Excellent Time Management and Organizational skills

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car from Enterprise.

COMPENSATION:

ย Non-Exemptย 

ย $26.20 ย Pay Rate

ย Benefits packages include medical benefits, matching retirement contributions, and annual and holiday leave.

Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent in this position will be required, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand and walk constantly; Must be able to lift 20 pounds on a very frequent basis and up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis; Use repetitive arm and wrist motions; bend, stoop, twist, reach; and maintain visual acuity as well as possess normal color vision to differentiate color correctly. Drive and enter and exit the vehicle numerous times throughout the workday.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Duties for the job are performed inside or outside of buildings. Weather, temperature, lighting, and noise levels may constantly vary. Terrain may vary from smooth and stable to irregular and unstable. The incumbent may continually work with or around machinery or motorized equipment, work in a noisy environment and be exposed to dust, pollen, moisture, and temperature extremes. Driving a vehicle, as well as entering and exiting the vehicle numerous times throughout the workday, is required.ย 

Recruitment Process

Applicants are advised that as part of CASS's recruiting process, only Human Resources personnel are authorized to extend conditional or official employment offers. Individuals involved in the interview process are not authorized to discuss or negotiate salary, benefits, or other terms of employment. All compensation and employment-related discussions will be handled exclusively by Human Resources personnel to ensure consistency and compliance with agency policies.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your application!