KS Habitat Specialist- Marais des Cygnes

 Application Deadline: May 22, 2024

 Anticipated Start Date: June 2024

Overview: The position is part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbents will conduct habitat management work on the Marais Des Cygne Management Areas. You are a full-time, permanent employee of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers. The 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 incumbents 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 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: A general qualification for these positions 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.

Salary: $37,440/year, starting salary + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs)

Description of Work Area:

Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area

Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area is approximately 45 minutes south of Overland Park, Kansas It lies in the floodplain of the Marais des Cygnes River and is unique for its quantity of managed wetlands and bottomland hardwood forest. The array of wetland units are managed for a diversity of habitat types, producing abundant food and cover for migratory waterfowl and other wetland species. In general, wetlands are dewatered in the spring and reflooded in the fall with water pumped from the river. Bottomland hardwood forests are dominated by oak and hickory and are excellent habitat for turkey, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and, during wet seasons, waterfowl that use forested wetlands. In addition to wetlands and bottomland forest, the area features upland forest, upland and wet-meadow prairie, restored native grasslands, and cropland. Waterfowl hunting recreation is the primary objective for this area. The Habitat Specialist is actively involved in all aspects of wetland and upland habitat management.

La Cygne Lake is a 2,600-acre cooling reservoir for a coal-fired generating plant owned by Evergy, with 2,000 acres of the watershed comprising the wildlife area. The area is mostly wooded uplands, with some grass meadows and crop fields. Improving habitat for bobwhite quail, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and squirrels is the primary objective of habitat management for La Cygnes.