Dont have a dog in this fight, but hopefully the new hire will have the spine to accomplish something for you guys.. I see the pay scale is marginal at best, wildlife jobs typically are, but no way I would take the job for less than the upper most pay listed. That is the reason so many wildlife programs are in the gutter. You wont get many CAPABLE people intersted in state jobs , you can work in the private sector far more lucratively with lot less headaches. I see alot of "entry" level wildlife positions that pay $9/hr that have a list of necessary qualifications an arms length long! Really!! A guy can work at McDonalds in a lot of places now for $10/hr, plus a signing bonus, your only qualification is to show up for work!