Habitat Specialist – Colorado

Anticipated Start Date:  May 2024 

Overview: This position is a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Pheasants Forever (PF).  The incumbent will be a full-time, permanent employees of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from CPW staff.  Under the direction of CPW staff, the incumbents will conduct habitat management work on both private and public lands in Southeast Colorado This position will be based out of the Lamar CPW office.

Duties: The incumbents will assist with wildlife habitat management and manipulation throughout the area. Major responsibilities include:

• Supervising, and implementing habitat management work which may include but is not limited to, herbicide application, native grass establishment, shrubby cover establishment, moist soil management, and brush management with tractors, grass drills, disk harrows, tree planters, skid steers, and chainsaws.
• Track and report metrics of completed habitat work and wildlife management tasks
• Procuring and maintaining equipment and supplies
• Providing landowner outreach
• Participating in scientific field studies, wildlife surveys, and habitat surveys
• Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
• Job may require odd hours and travel/time away from home.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural, and/or natural resource science, emphasizing habitat management.
• Upland habitat management, operation of tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, grass drilling, etc.), operation of skid loader with attachments, identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation.
• Safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, landowners, and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, wetland, and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Applicant may be required to obtain a CDL and a private pesticide applicators license.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience, or education that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred minimum experience includes two years involving habitat management methods such as farming, timber, or weed control methods.  Substitutions for experience could be given to candidates with at least an associate degree in a desirable field of study from an accredited trade school, community college, state college, or university.  Desirable fields include agriculture, agricultural equipment technology, habitat management, natural resources management, range science, or wildlife management.  Applicants who possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and experience involving habitat management methods such as farming, timber, or weed control methods is preferred.

Pay and Benefits:

• Starting pay $18.26 per hour (Commensurate with qualifications). Overtime pay opportunities.
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.  
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.  
• 13 Paid holidays.
• An Employee Benefit Summary can be found pheasantsforever.org/jobs