For purposes of training individuals to assist landowners with employing nonlethal management techniques, or to harass, kill, trap, release, wildlife that is causing damage to private property, the director or his/her designee may certify wildlife control operators (WCOs).

(1) To be eligible to apply for WCO certification, applicants must:

(a) Be at least eighteen years of age;

(b) Must pass the Washington state trapper education exam and possess a minimum of two years experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to control wildlife species causing conflict or property damage. Methods of documenting experience include, but are not limited to, possessing a trapper's license for two years, providing a letter of recommendation from a currently certified WCO or trapper, providing evidence being employed in the wildlife abatement field for two years, providing a written statement verifying they are currently working with a certified WCO, or other method as identified by the department;

(c) Take and pass the department's approved WCO basic certification course(s);

(d) Be legally eligible to possess a firearm and without a felony or domestic violence conviction including, but not limited to, convictions under chapter 9.41 RCW, unless firearm possession rights have been restored;

(e) Not have within the last three years:

(i) More than one finding of paid or committed as a final disposition for an infraction under chapter 77.15 RCW; or

(ii) A conviction for a fish and wildlife crime under chapter 77.15 RCW.

(f) Pay the enrollment fee for each certification training/education (RCW 77.12.184). This fee shall be fifty dollars per certification.

(2) The department may grant a WCO certification if the applicant meets the criteria for eligibility in subsection (1) of this section and passes the basic certification courses.

(3) If the department grants WCO certification, the WCO must apply for a permit to lawfully engage in killing, trapping, or dispatching wildlife using a body gripping trap.

(4) WCO certification is valid for three years.