TWS certification will add designation for airport wildlife biologists

Bird Strike Committee USA (BSC-USA) and The Wildlife Society are working together to develop a designation that will expand TWS’ Wildlife Biologist Certification Program’s current opportunities. This designation will be consistent with the Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologists (QAWB) requirements outlined in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular No: 150/5200-36.

Through this collaboration, BSC-USA and TWS seek to promote professionalism in wildlife management programs on airports, support and strengthen professional solidarity and maintenance of the highest possible professional standards in all activities devoted to wildlife management on airports and facilitate the exchange of information necessary to establish a shared database of certified wildlife biologists.

Members who currently hold certification or who become certified in the future through TWS will be able to add an airport wildlife biologist designation to their Associate or Certified Wildlife Biologist^® credentials. More details on this process will be made available within the coming months.

Bird Strike Committee USA was formed in 1991 as a forum to facilitate the exchange of information, promote the collection and analysis of accurate wildlife strike data, promote the development of new technologies for reducing wildlife hazards, promote professionalism in wildlife management programs on airports through training and advocacy of high standards of conduct for airport biologist and bird patrol personnel, and be a liaison to similar organizations in other countries. Bird Strike Committee USA is a volunteer organization directed by a Steering Committee consisting of airport operators; military and civilian governmental agencies involved in aviation or wildlife management; government, university and private research agencies; the air transport/general aviation industry; and the general public.

“Bird Strike USA (BSC USA) is excited to partner with The Wildlife Society to advance airport wildlife management programs and aviation safety,” said Nick Atwell, BSC USA Chairperson. “The BSC USA and TWS are working together to identify individuals that have satisfactorily demonstrated they possess the required education, experience and training related credentials to be classified as a ‘qualified airport wildlife biologist,’ as stipulated in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-36B. This vetting process will provide great benefits to aviation safety and wildlife professionals as we continue to build on our BSC USA and TWS relationship.”

As part of fulfilling the organization’s mission, TWS maintains a professional certification program designed to evaluate the education and professional experience of wildlife biologists in order to promote and strengthen professional standards in all activities devoted to wildlife resources. The Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Biologist Certification Program—established in 1977—is regularly evaluated to ensure the requirements reflect a level of training and experience necessary for professional stewardship of wildlife.

For questions about certification or to inquire about your current certification status please contact certification@wildlife.org.

Learn more about TWS’ Professional Development and Certification Programs.