KS Habitat Specialist

Location: Perry Wildlife Management Area, Valley Falls, KS
Application Deadline: September 12, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: October 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 the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the Perry 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. 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: The incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management areas. Major responsibilities include and vary depending on duty station:

• 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 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.
• Performs 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 on 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.

Description of Area:
Perry Wildlife Management Area
The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks has leased 10,500 acres of land at the north end of the Perry Reservoir Project from the U.S. Corps of Engineers since 1970. The area is operated and managed by the Department for wildlife management and public hunting opportunities. Description: Much of Perry Wildlife Area lies within the Perry Reservoir flood pool, thus flooding is not uncommon. The Delaware River bisects the area from north to south with several small creeks feeding it. The area has a diversity of habits with interspersion of Oak-Hickory woodlands, warm and cool season grasslands, man-made wetlands, and several acres of cropland. In the mid 1970’s, 11 marsh complexes were built. Two additional marshes were developed after 2000. These marshes provide about 1,000 acres of wetland habitats. The Kyle and West River marshes can be pumped from the Delaware River to provide habitat for migratory birds during dry years. All other wetlands depend on natural run off, thus water levels may vary from year to year. Moist soils management is conducted on all marshes which uses water level fluctuations to manage desirable wetland vegetation beneficial to migratory birds. Periodically, some marshes will be drained to conduct dike repairs and control invading woody vegetation and cattails. Management of upland habitats over the years has consisted of converting croplands and cool season grasses to native warm season grasses and forbs, planting of shrub plots, selective cutting of invading woody vegetation, and prescribed burning to stimulate native warm season grasses and forbs. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are plentiful on the area. Waterfowl numbers vary depending on available habitat, but the area has supported large numbers during both the fall and spring migrations. Mourning dove numbers vary yearly depending on nesting conditions. Ring-necked pheasant can be found on the area with good numbers on the area. Bobwhite quail populations are good on the area, but a good dog is needed due to the dense vegetation. Squirrel and cottontail rabbit numbers are generally healthy and provide some of the most underutilized hunting opportunities on the area. Non-game species are very plentiful on the area and provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. A wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can be found on the area. Fishing for catfish, white bass, and crappie in the Delaware River are also popular activities. Trapping, which is allowed on the area, can be a very successful venture due to the wide array of furbearer habitats.