Habitat Specialist (McPherson)

About the role

This position is part of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the McPherson Valley Wetlands and other wildlife areas. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers.

Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management areas.
• Supervise and implement habitat management work on public lands which will include but is not limited to prescribed burning, mechanical tree removal with skid steer, food plot establishment, brome conversion, native grass establishment, dove field management, and herbicide application.
• Participate in scientific field studies and surveys which will include spotlight deer surveys, pheasant crow counts, quail whistle counts, pheasant and turkey brood surveys, fall covey counts, and waterfowl surveys.
• Coordinate agricultural permits and habitat plans using GIS.
• Participate in habitat management of intensely managed wetlands with a focus on moist soil management, including wetland draw downs, water pumping, use of a variety of water control structures, wetland design, infrastructure repairs and maintenance, soil disturbance techniques, flood response, row crop production, and use of large array of tools and equipment to meet management objectives.
• Procure supplies and equipment.
• Supervise and participate in the construction, maintenance and repair of area buildings, equipment, and roads.
• Provide public outreach.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the partners. Preference will be given to candidates that possess a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on wildlife management.

• Strongly preferred qualifications include a basic understanding of upland habitat management, prescribed burning, tractor and implement operation, equipment transportation, hand and power tools, noxious weed identification and management, wildlife and grassland ecology, and GIS, especially ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.

Qualifications

Training and Experience Guideline: Preferred qualification for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or related field and/or related experience.

Skills

Preferred qualifications include a basic understanding of upland habitat management, prescribed burning, tractor and implement operation, equipment transportation, hand and power tools, noxious weed identification and management, wildlife and grassland ecology, and GIS, especially ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.

Benefits

Starting salary information: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).

Pay

Starting salary information: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).

Schedule

Starting salary information: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).

Contact Information

To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single Word Document or PDF File before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs. If you have additional questions, please contact Kent Hensley, PF/QF Kansas Habitat Specialist Manager, at 785-639-8481 or khensley@pheasantsforever.org.

Description of Work Area

McPherson Valley Wetlands WA: McPherson Valley Wetlands WA (KMPWL) is located in the physiographic region known as Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. KMPWL consists of a narrow flood plain valley along the Blaze Fork Creek, flanked by native warm season grass uplands and agricultural lands. KMPWL totals 4,615 acres, comprised of three separate units in a 126 square mile area along the Blaze Fork Creek. Within the 4,615 total acres there are 1,967 acres of wetlands in 54 marshes, 1,712 acres of native grass and upland areas, and 936 acres in agricultural production. While the wetlands are managed intensively for waterfowl and the primary activity at KMPWL is waterfowl hunting, pheasant populations thrive here, and pheasant hunting is the second most common activity on the property. With a difference of only 255 acres between wetland and upland acreage, upland game bird and habitat management are vital components of the overall management plan at KMPWL.

Ferris Demonstration WA: Ferris Demonstration WA (KFEDA) is located along the western edge of the physiographic region known as the Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. While the majority of KFEDA’s total acreage (160 ac) is in agricultural production (129 ac), the area has three waterways, eight terraces, cedar shelter belts, and an abandoned railroad right-of-way on the property. Several conservation practices have been implemented on the property, including native grass plantings, field borders, wind breaks, terracing, rounded field edges, crop rotations, and minimum tillage.

Pheasants Forever, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.