Habitat Specialist Kansas – Fall River WMA Application Deadline: Open until filled Anticipated Start Date: January 2025 Starting Salary Information: $18.00/hour starting salary, benefits, up to $200/month student loan reimbursement, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs ). Overview: This position is part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the Fall River Wildlife Management Area. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers. This position not only provides professional services but also prepares employees for potential advancement in the natural resources field by providing training in planning, management, and implementation of habitat practices. Duties: Supervising and implementing 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. Participating 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. Incumbent may assist other biologists and divisions with sampling, surveys, and other duties. Coordinating 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 large array of tools and equipment to meet management objectives. Procuring supplies and equipment. Supervising and participating in the construction, maintenance and repair of area buildings, equipment, and roads. Providing public outreach. Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees. Performing other related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 in wildlife management. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies. Ability to work independently with little supervision. Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license required. 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. Other preferred, but not required 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. To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single Word Document or PDF File before uploading to the “Resume” section of your application on our Recruitment website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs (our benefits summary is also viewable on our website). If you have additional questions, please contact Eran Sandquist, PFQF Director of Conservation Delivery - Midwest, at (763) 242-1273. 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. Description of Work Area: Fall River Wildlife Management Area: The Fall River Wildlife Area is located in the physiographic area known as the Osage Cuestas, in rolling prairie country, with a wide fertile flood plain valley surrounded by steep rolling uplands. The area has very distinct habitats including 6 miles of Otter Creek and 14 miles of Fall River with 2300 acres of riparian timber, 2500 acres of native grass, 2988 acres of cropland and 960 acres of the Fall River Reservoir. Toronto Wildlife Area: The Toronto Wildlife Area is located in the physiographic region known as the Cross Timbers and is the far eastern extent of deciduous forest before the rolling prairies. The area consists mostly of riparian corridors with cropland between and narrow strips of native grass on the high ground. The timber on the south end of the wildlife area is post oak and blackjack oak dominated. There are also several small wetlands located throughout the area. Frank and Frances Moss Wildlife Area: The Frank and Frances Moss Wildlife area is located in the physiographic area known as the Osage Cuestas, in rolling prairie country in Greenwood County and consists of several properties. The properties total 1,429 acres collectively. Each property utilizes grazing as a management tool and future management will be directed toward grassland birds. J-18808-Ljbffr
