Habitat Specialist - Kansas
PHEASANTS FOREVER AND QUAIL FOREVER
THE HABITAT ORGANIZATION
JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Habitat Specialist
Kansas
Location: Perry Wildlife Area, Valley Falls, KS
Application Deadline: July 10, 2022 or until filled, whichever comes first
Anticipated Start Date: Summer 2022
Overview: This position is part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever. The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on public wildlife management areas. Habitat Specialists are full-time, permanent employees of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Field Managers. This Habitat Specialist position will be located at the Perry Wildlife Area near Valley Falls, KS.
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 for desirable wetland vegetation beneficial to migratory birds. Periodically, some marshes will be drained in order 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.
Duties: The incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management area. Major responsibilities include:
- Directing, supervising, and implementing habitat management work on public wildlife areas;
- Procuring supplies and equipment;
- Supervising and participating in the construction, maintenance and repair of area buildings, equipment, and roads;
- Coordinating agricultural permits to insure positive benefits for wildlife;
- Providing public information;
- Participating in scientific field studies and surveys;
- 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;
- 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.
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 related job. A general qualification guideline for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience.
Pay: $33,000 Salary depending on experience and qualifications + benefits.
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter explaining why this position is a good fit for you, resume, and 3 references into a single Word document or PDF file before uploading to the “Resume” area of your application on our Recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs .
If you have additional questions, please contact Marina Osier, Kansas State Coordinator at 515-201-1873, mosier@pheasantsforever.org
Pheasants Forever, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.