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KS Private Lands Habitat Specialist - Glen Elder

Overview: This position is a part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever. The incumbent will be a full-time, permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from KDWP staff. Under the direction of KDWP staff and the PFQF State Coordinator, the incumbent will conduct habitat management work on cooperating private lands 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 agricultures, and hardwood riparian habitat along 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 on lands enrolled in the WIHA program throughout the respective district. Major responsibilities include:
  •  Supervising and implementing habitat management work on cooperating private land operators which may include but is not limited to, mechanical tree removal with skid steer and chainsaw, edge feathering, herbicide application, prescribed burning, native grass, forb and legume establishment, brome conversion, and shrubby cover establishment.
  • Procuring supplies and equipment.
  •  Assisting in the implementation and management of WIHA program in the district.
  • Participating in scientific field studies, surveys and providing public information.
  •  Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
  • Performing other related wildlife, habitat, and maintenance duties as assigned.
  • Job and duties will require the ability to work in hot and cold weather conditions throughout the year.
  • 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 KDWP and PFQF. 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;
  • Safe ATV and/or UTV hauling and use;
  • 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.
 
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 or agricultural related job. Applicants who possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience is preferred.
 
Special note: Offer is conditional based upon successful completion of a criminal and driving background check as required by Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. An official offer of employment will be given once the candidate’s background check is approved. Background checks typically take between 2-7 business days once a candidate submits the required information.
 
The start date will be two weeks after the background check is approved and the candidate’s official offer letter is received by PFQF. There is potential for an earlier start date than two weeks if agreed upon by all parties.
 
Pay: $18.00/hour + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs)
 
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single Word Document or PDF File before uploading to the “Resume” section of your application on our Recruitment website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.

For more information about the position, contact Shelly Wiggam, PFQF Kansas State Coordinator – swiggam@pheasantsforever.org or (785) 477 6592.
 
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever 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.