Habitat Specialist I (Seasonal)

Pheasants Forever • Waynesboro, GA

5d • $17 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Quail Forever is hiring one seasonal Habitat Specialist I to support prescribed fire operations and habitat restoration and management at Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area, surrounding public lands, and occasionally private lands in Southeast Georgia. The work primarily focuses on managing bobwhite quail habitat in priority geographies identified by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Bobwhite Quail Initiative. The employee will work with partner agencies and will be supervised by the Quail Forever Georgia Habitat Specialist Manager, with daily field instruction and leadership from a GADNR Technician 4. The position is hourly and runs from January through April 2027.

The role focuses on habitat restoration and management, including prescribed fire, early-succession management, and ecological restoration. Work may also include quail and other scientific surveys, outreach and education, and other related duties. The work is outdoors in varied weather and may involve physically demanding or adverse conditions. Work hours may be long and irregular and vary with weather.

Shared housing with basic utilities at Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area is provided at no cost. A technology stipend and work vehicles and equipment are provided. Health, vision, dental, and other insurance plans, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%, are available after 90 days of employment. Pay is $17–$20 per hour, commensurate with qualifications.

Requirements

• Associate degree or 1–2 years of related experience; education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the partners.
• Basic understanding of environmental, agricultural, and/or natural resource science.
• Ability to obtain Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualifications, including I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130, and one training burn under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.
• Ability to meet the Moderate Pack Test physical fitness standard: 2 miles in 30 minutes with a 25-pound pack.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge operating and transporting ATVs, UTVs, chainsaws, tractors, discs, and planting equipment safely.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written directions.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, and hauling.

Nice To Haves

• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of upland habitat management and restoration, prescribed fire, and identification and control of invasive plant species.
• One year of experience conducting prescribed burns.
• One year of experience applying herbicides to control undesirable species and/or conducting timber stand improvement using chainsaws or hack-and-squirt methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform wildlife habitat management, including prescribed fire operations, disking, invasive species control, native vegetation establishment, and other land management activities using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and hand tools.
• Participate in prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes, including fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up, as a burn crew member on public and private lands.
• Maintain and repair equipment and implements used for work, using power equipment and tools such as drills, saws, chainsaws, trimmers, and small mowers.
• Work with colleagues and partner agencies on habitat management assignments and follow detailed verbal and written directions.
• Occasionally assist with northern bobwhite quail surveys and other scientific surveys.
• Occasionally assist with outreach and education efforts.
• Perform other habitat management-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Shared housing with basic utilities at Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area at no cost to the employee.
• Technology stipend.
• Vehicles and equipment provided for work-related activities.
• Health, vision, dental, and other insurance coverage plans available after 90 days of employment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%, available after 90 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree