Airside Wildlife Program Manager

As infrastructure critical to the region’s growth and prosperity, Nashville International Airport ® (BNA®) is a vital asset for Middle Tennessee and serves as a gateway to Music City and beyond. The State of Tennessee’s 2025 Economic Impact Study reports that in 2024 alone, BNA generated $13.8 billion in total economic impact, supported 80,000 jobs and contributed to $2.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. BNA receives no local tax dollars. For more information, visit flynashville.com. Follow us on Facebook: @NashvilleInternationalAirport, X: @Fly_Nashville and Instagram: @FlyNashville. Learn more about New Horizon, our $3 billion growth and expansion plan for the airport, at BNANewHorizon.com. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Drug Free Workplace

 Hiring Process:

• Apply online
• Interview(s)
• Offer
• Ten (10) year background check, including criminal history check, motor vehicle check, pre-employment drug screen, credit check and breath alcohol test
• Onboarding

 Benefits: 

• Deferred compensation plans
• Educational Assistance
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability Insurance
• Health Screenings
• Paid Holidays
• Annual/Bereavement/Military Leave

Accepting Applications Until Filled

Starting Salary Range: $77,193- $132,855

*Final pay offer will be based on relevant skills and experience to the position.

Job Summary: 

The Airfield Wildlife Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and continuous improvement of the Airport's Wildlife Hazard Management Program in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139.337, applicable FAA Advisory Circulars, federal and state permits, and airport policies. This position provides expert-level guidance on wildlife hazard mitigation, oversees the implementation of the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP), and helps lead a team of Wildlife Inspectors responsible for daily wildlife control activities on and around the Air Operations Area (AOA). Other responsibilities include serving as the airport's subject matter expert on wildlife hazards, collaborates with internal departments and external agencies, and ensures the safe, compliant, and effective management of wildlife attractants and risks to aircraft operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Administers, manages, and evaluates all aspects of the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) to ensure full compliance with FAA regulations and guidance.
• Develops program priorities, goals, and performance metrics; recommends improvements and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee the development, revision, and enforcement of wildlife management policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Prepares and submits required reports to FAA, USDA, USFWS, state wildlife agencies, and other regulatory bodies.
• Conducts Wildlife Hazard Assessments and prepares ecological assessments as required.
• Mentors, and develops a team of Wildlife Inspectors.
• Assigns work, monitors performance, conducts evaluations, and ensures adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Provides training in wildlife identification, dispersal techniques, firearms safety, and WHMP procedures.
• Participates in hiring, disciplinary actions, and staff development planning.
• Monitors, records, and analyze wildlife activity on the AOA and airport property to determine risk levels and appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Conducts or oversees wildlife dispersal, trapping, removal, and handling in accordance with permits and regulations.
• Identifies wildlife species, behaviors, and attractants; recommends habitat modifications and long-term mitigation strategies.
• Implements and oversee mosquito control and pest management programs as applicable.
• Ensure proper use, maintenance, and procurement of wildlife control equipment, including pyrotechnics, firearms, radios, and deterrent systems.
• Ensures compliance with 14 CFR Part 139.337, AC 150/5200 33, AC 150/5200 38, and all applicable federal, state, and local wildlife regulations.
• Maintains all required permits, including depredation, nuisance wildlife, scientific collection, pest control, and other specialized certifications.
• Coordinates with FAA, USDA Wildlife Services, state wildlife agencies, environmental consultants, and airport tenants.
• Represents the airport at industry meetings, conferences, and working groups as the wildlife program expert.
• Analyzes wildlife strike data, trends, and environmental conditions to identify hazards and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Prepares written and oral briefings for senior leadership, airlines, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinates strike data submission to the FAA National Wildlife Strike Database.
• Develops educational materials and conducts outreach for airport staff, tenants, and community groups.
• Develops and manages the wildlife program budget, including equipment procurement, contracts, and training expenses.
• Administers wildlife-related contracts and evaluates contractor performance.
• Ensures efficient use of resources and compliance with approved financial plans.
• Supports airfield operations with inspections, escorts, emergency response, and other operational needs.
• Maintains regular on-time attendance.
• Follows all safety regulations.
• Supports MNAA's commitment to its culture and values, including Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (RISE).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Expert knowledge of FAA wildlife regulations, 14 CFR Part 139, and relevant Advisory Circulars.
• Ability to identify a wide range of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.
• Strong understanding of wildlife behavior, ecology, and habitat management.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare technical reports, and present findings clearly.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with regulators, tenants, airlines, and internal departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, wildlife reporting systems, and GIS tools.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment in high risk environments.
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, and technical documents.
• Must obtain and maintain a SIDA badge in accordance with TSA regulations.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing (safety-sensitive position).
• Must obtain and maintain CBP security clearance if required.
• Must complete firearms safety training and maintain proficiency.
• Must maintain all required wildlife, pest control, and depredation permits.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, lifting (0–50 lbs), bending, climbing, and reaching.
• Work performed in extreme weather, high-noise environments, and around aircraft operations.
• Exposure to wildlife, insects, chemicals, and noxious fumes.
• Regular use of vehicles, radios, computers, firearms, and wildlife dispersal equipment.
• Must meet vision requirements (minimum 20/40 in each eye with or without correction).
• Must obtain and maintain movement area driving qualifications.

Qualifications: 

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management wildlife management, biology, natural sciences, environmental science, or related field
• Five (5) years of full-time professional experience implementing an airport Wildlife Hazard Management Plan
• Must meet FAA criteria for a Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist

Preferred: 

• Master's degree in environmental sciences, biology, or related field.
• 2-4 years experience in wildlife control, animal handling, trapping, and habitat management
• 2-4 years supervisory experience in wildlife or airport operations
• Experience with firearms, pyrotechnics, and wildlife dispersal equipment
• Experience with mosquito or arthropod control programs