United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services Directive

1.101
June 20, 2013

THE WILDLIFE SERVICES (WS) POLICY MANUAL

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the WS Policy Manual is to provide guidance to WS personnel conducting official
activities. The manual addresses national policy and provides general direction to the WS program.

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
This directive revises WS Directive 1.101 dated July 3, 2009.

3. AUTHORITY

Authority to promulgate a policy addressing employee responsibilities is pursuant to U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Departmental Regulation 4070-735-001, dated October 2007.

4. POLICY

a. National Policy. The manual is an extension of, but shall not supersede, the broader guidance of
the USDA and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Manuals, Directives, Bulletins, and
Administrative Notices.

b. Regional or State Level Policy. There may be situations that require a Region or State to
develop more restrictive policies than those in this manual. However, policies contained herein may not be
made less restrictive. Therefore, Directors and State Directors may develop supplemental policies which
can be incorporated into this manual.

c. Distribution. The WS Deputy Administrator will issue this manual to Directors and State
Directors.

5. BACKGROUND

For administrative purposes, references to "Directors" or "Region(s)" made in this manual include
positions of the Directors of the WS Eastern and Western Regions, Director of the National Wildlife
Research Center (NWRC), and Director of the Operational Support Staff, as appropriate, and program
areas for which the positions are responsible. References to "State Directors” or "State(s)" include State
Directors of WS operations and Field Station Leaders of NWRC, as appropriate, and program areas for
which the positions are responsible. References to "District Supervisors" or "District(s)" include District
Supervisors of WS operations and program areas for which the positions are responsible.


Wildlife Services Directive 1.101

page 2
6. IMPLEMENTATION
a. Under USDA Departmental Regulation 4070-735-001, each WS employee is responsible
for compliance with all applicable work-related laws, regulations, and policies;
b. Immediate supervisors are responsible to enforce policies in a fair and equitable manner

(Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS) Human Resource Guide, SC 4752,
Sect. C);

e If employees violate any WS directive, the immediate supervisor will determine the
appropriate corrective action after consultation with their supervisory chain, APHIS Human Resources
Division, Employee Relations Branch publication “Handling Conduct and Performance Problems” and an
Employee Relations Specialist, as appropriate;

d. Regional or State Level Policy:
(1) All Regional and State level policy supplements will only be applicable in the
program areas in which the policy originated;
(2) Regional and State level policy should be clearly identified in the header;
(3) Supplements will be attached to the appropriate national directive. All manuals
will be kept current by the employee;

e. The most up-to-date version of the policy manual will be placed on the Wildlife Services
website for immediate access to all WS employees;

f. It will be the responsibility of Directors and State Directors to provide either a copy of or
direct internet link to this manual to every WS employee under their supervision.

7. REFERENCES

a. USDA, MRPBS, Human Resources Division, Human Resources Desk Guide Subchapter
4752 — Disciplinary or Alternative Actions, Section C — General Guidance for
Supervisors.

b. USDA, MRPBS, Human Resources Division, Employee Relations Branch, Handling
Conduct and Performance Problems — A Training Guide for Supervisors and Managers.

c. USDA Departmental Regulation 4070-735-001, Employee Responsibilities and Conduct,
10/04/07.

William H. Clay
Deputy Administrator