Habitat Specialist III – Crew Lead La Russell, Missouri Application Deadline: December 31, 2024 Anticipated Start Date: February 2025 Starting Salary : $46,000 – $50,000, Commensurate with experience. Annual merit increase Full Health Benefits and Retirement Package. Overview : This position is part of a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Quail Forever (QF), The Nature Conservancy, Drake University, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation. Under the direction of these partners, the crew lead and four habitat specialist crew members (technicians) will conduct habitat management work on cooperating private land and targeted public lands within designated priority geographies. This position is for a full-time, permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. This new and unique partnership will allow for varied field duties including prescribed fire, seed collection, natural community identification and management, invasive species control, crew leadership, and project coordination among multiple conservation organizations. Duties : The incumbent will lead a team of four habitat specialist crew members to coordinate and conduct wildlife habitat management practices throughout multiple priority areas occurring within approximately 50 miles of La Russell, Missouri. Major responsibilities include: Implement habitat management work on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands including edge feathering, herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native grass/forb establishment, shrubby cover establishment, and timber stand improvement. Procure supplies and equipment following Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever best management practices. Coordinate project prioritization and schedules. Management of four habitat specialist crew members. Provide habitat management technical assistance and information to landowners. Assist with grant reporting duties in conjunction with collaborating organizations. Serve as burn crew member on public lands and/or burn boss for prescribed fires on private lands. Ensure habitat management activities are accurately reported and entered on time. Perform other related duties as assigned. Job may require odd hours and travel/time away from home. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities : A solid understanding of environmental, ecological, and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience determined by the partners to be relevant. Preference will be given to candidates with bachelor’s degrees in ecology, forestry, or wildlife management. At least one year of experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements, identification and control of invasive species. Safe transportation/hauling of equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, colleagues, and partner agencies. Ability to work independently with little supervision. Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest management. Ability to successfully pass an arduous pack test annually. Ability to lift 50 pounds safely and repeatedly. Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license required. Applicant may be required to obtain a CDL and/or private pesticide applicators license. Firefighter Type 2, Wildland Fire Chainsaws (S-212) or equivalent. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Two years of proven experience in managing a work team. Two years of experience conducting prescribed burns. Two years of experience using mechanical or chemical methods for controlling invasive species. Two years of experience operating and maintaining tractors, discs, and planting equipment. Training and Experience Guideline : Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. More than one year of work experience in a wildlife, forestry, or agricultural-related job. Applicants with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience are preferred. Continued training and professional development opportunities will be provided. Location : The Golden Grasslands habitat crew will be based at the Talbott Conservation Area near La Russell, Missouri. To Apply : Please include your cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs . ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. If you have questions about the position, contact Dylan Jacobs, Missouri Habitat Restoration Manager, at (419) 346-3139. Pheasants Forever, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, e-Verify 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 a disability, or any other category that may be protected by law. J-18808-Ljbffr
