KS Habitat Specialist – Melvern Wildlife Area

Overview: This position is part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the Melvern Wildlife Management Area. 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 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 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 Work Area:

Melvern Wildlife Area

Melvern Wildlife Area is located in the physiographic area known as Osage Cuestas. The area habitats include approximately 4,000 acres of native tall grass prairie, 2,000 acres of woodland habitat, and 3,000 acres of crop land. Much of the upland area is dominated by native tall grass prairie with small wooded draws interspersed. The lowlands located along the Marais des Cygnes river flood plain are primarily crop land. A mix of moist-soil management and crop rotation are utilized to manage for desirable wetland vegetation beneficial to migratory birds on Melvern’s 350 acres of wetlands. Wildlife area staff are actively involved in converting lowland crop fields into managed wetlands. Management of upland habitats over the years has consisted of converting croplands and cool season grasses to native warm season grasses and forbs, 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. Bobwhite quail populations are excellent 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 Marais des Cygnes River are also popular activities. Trapping can be a very successful venture due to the wide array of furbearer habitats.