Habitat Specialist (Texas Lake)

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 Texas Lake Wildlife Management Area 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 a variety 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.
• Participate in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
• 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. Proper training will be provided as necessary for the successful candidate.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree with an emphasis on wildlife management or related field and/or related experience is preferred. 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.

Skills

A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science. Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license required.

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

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

Schedule

Full-time, permanent employee of PFQF.

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.