Habitat Specialist (McPherson)

Pheasants Forever•McPherson, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the McPherson Valley Wetlands and other wildlife areas. 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.

Requirements

A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, partner agencies and work independently with little supervision.
Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on wildlife management.
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or related field and/or related experience.
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.

Responsibilities

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.