KS Habitat Specialist

Overview: This position is a part of a partnership between Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks, and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. (PFQF).  The incumbent will be a full-time, permanent employee of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP staff.  Under the direction of KDWP staff, the incumbent will conduct habitat management work on cooperating private land within the Smoky Hills as part of the state’s ‘Habitat First’ program. The Smoky hills priority landscape consists of large contiguous tracts of native mixed grass prairie, row crop agriculture, and hardwood riparian habitat along the rivers and streams. This position will be based out of the Glen Elder State Park Office (10 miles west of Beloit, KS).

Duties: The incumbent will assist with wildlife habitat management and manipulation and the WIHA program throughout the respective district. Major responsibilities include:

• Supervising, and implementing habitat management work on cooperating private land which may include but is not limited to, mechanical tree removal with skid steer and chainsaw, food plot establishment, herbicide application, prescribed burning, native grass establishment, brome conversion, and shrubby cover establishment.
• Procuring supplies and equipment.
• Assisting in the WIHA program.
• Participating in scientific field studies, surveys and providing public information.
• Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
• Performing 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.
• Upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operation of tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting shrubs, etc.), operation of skid loader with tree saw, brush grapple and other attachments, 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, 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, private pesticide applicators license and prescribed fire training.

Other Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat will be a plus;
• Experience performing prescribed burns, operating tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), operation of skid loader with tree saw, brush grapple and other attachments, identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation is desirable.