Habitat Specialist – Georgia

Anticipated Start Date: April 2024 

Overview: This position is part of a partnership between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Quail Forever, Inc. (QF). Under the direction of the Quail Forever Habitat Specialist Crew Leader, Quail Forever Georgia State Coordinator and GADNR staff, incumbents will conduct habitat management work on cooperating private land as well as targeted public lands within designated priority geographies within Georgia as part of the state’s Quail management program.  This position is full-time, permanent employee of Quail Forever and will receive daily leadership from QF and GADNR staff. This position will be located in the Albany, GA area.

Duties: The incumbents will conduct wildlife habitat management practices throughout multiple priority areas. Major responsibilities include:

• Implementing habitat management work on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands that includes but is not limited to herbicide application, prescribed burning, native grass/forb establishment, shrubby cover establishment, and timber stand improvement (hack and squirt or chainsaw method)
• Occasionally assist with northern bobwhite quail and other grassland bird surveys, including but not limited to spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands. 
• Procuring supplies and equipment.
• Providing public information.
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys.
• Attending/Assisting with prescribed fire and other habitat management technique trainings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Job may require odd hours and travel/time away from home.

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.
• Experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation.
• Safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest 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, private pesticide applicators license and prescribed fire training.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The following courses are preferred to have already been completed by applicant:

Course Title                                                        Course Number

Introduction to ICS                                                  I-100

Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service                  L-180

Firefighter Training                                                  S-130

Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior                   S-190

NIMS: An Introduction                                            IS-700

• One year of experience conducting prescribed burns and/or timber stand improvement using chainsaws or hack and squirt methods.
• One year of experience applying herbicides to control undesirable species.
• One year of experience operating 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.  One year of work experience in a wildlife management or agricultural related job.  Applicants who possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience is preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of $37,000 (Commensurate with qualifications).
• 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 on our Careers page.