NWCOA focuses on training, networking

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June 17, 2021

Like many associations, in December we made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 Wildlife Expo, co-hosted by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). However, we are excited to announce we will host the event in person in February 2022 at the same scheduled location: the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Fla. We have plenty of educational presentations, exhibitors, networking opportunities and fun planned, so be sure to join us. Information on registration and hotel accommodations will be available on NWCOA.com and NPMAPestWorld.org soon.

As the nation slowly emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the NWCOA is developing a comprehensive training schedule that allows for both in-person and remote learning. We recognize the value in continuing to provide opportunities for wildlife control operators and pest management professionals to obtain valuable training and certification through an online learning experience. We will continue to host in-person training events throughout the country, as the value of in-person training cannot be replicated entirely. We have several training events coming up, listed online at NWCOA.com/events. As we enter the second half of 2021, we will continue to identify innovative methods for our industry to connect and learn through a combination of locally hosted training events, webinars and live-streamed content.

TRAINING COORDINATOR

The NWCOA is dedicated to offering training to those in the wildlife control industry. Gregg Schumaker, a longtime NWCOA member and training coordinator, has accepted a role outside the organization and is transitioning from that position as of June 15. We thank Gregg for his hard work and wish him the best. We are pleased to welcome Jim Goins as his successor as training coordinator. As a former NWCOA board member, a Master NWCOA Instructor for the Bird Course, and a Certified NWCOA Instructor for many of the NWCOA certification courses, Jim is well-suited to take the helm.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

If you’re not already a member, now is a great time to reach out and get involved. The association stays in touch with members through its quarterly newsletter, “NWCOA News,” as well as through regular communications via email and social media. Members who stay engaged in the association throughout the year are sure to realize benefits that more than cover the cost of membership, including educational opportunities, a discount savings programs, legislative and regulatory advocacy, a liability insurance program and more. Learn more at NWCOA.com/membership.

Training events slated for 2021

Headshot: Christie Meresse

Christie Meresse

The National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) will offer in-person and online training events, including the following. For more information on these events and others like it, visit NWCOA.com.

U.S. Venomous Snake Safety & Handling Course, Level II, Manassas, Va.

Available both July 15 and July 16, this one-day course will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will cover snake biology and identification (elapids and pit vipers), snake behavior, trapping, relocation, safety, and live venomous snake handling. Upon completion of this course and successful passing of a written and skills test, attendees will become NWCOA U.S. Venomous Snake Safety and Handling Certified. Successful students also will receive a certificate of completion and have use of the logo in marketing materials.

Bat Standards Certified, Online

Available both Sept. 8 and Dec. 8, the Bat Standards Certified Course (Part I) will cover bat biology (little brown, big brown, free-tailed and pallid bats), bat behavior, bat identification, bat morphology, service agreement language for bat removal and guano removal, seasonal restrictions, inspection techniques, equipment, safety, detailed exclusion techniques, job pricing, decontamination techniques, rabies, bat handling, updated white-nose syndrome information, and more. Upon completion of this online course and successful passing of a test, attendees will become NWCOA Bat Standards Certified for a term of five years. Successful students also will receive a certificate of completion and have use of the logo in marketing materials.

About the Author

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MERESSE is executive director of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. She can be reached at info@nwcoa.com.

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