Dodge City, KS

Position Title: Private Lands Habitat Specialist

Organization: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Location: Dodge City, KS

Organization Overview: In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters saw the connection between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation was needed, and Pheasants Forever was formed. Pheasants Forever’s mission work quickly garnered it a reputation as “The Habitat Organization,” a tagline the nonprofit conservation group uses proudly to this day.

Pheasants Forever’s mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.

Position Overview:  This position is part of a partnership between Pheasants Forever and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Under the daily direction of KDWP staff, the incumbent will conduct habitat management work on cooperating private land within designated priority geographies within Kansas as part of the state’s Habitat First program. The incumbent will be a full-time, permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from KDWP staff. Priorities include implementing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) mid-contract management practices, Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) habitat management, and Walk-In Hunting Area (WIHA) habitat projects. Additional duties include improving rangeland and riparian wildlife habitats, assisting in the management of 3 public land properties (Herron, Stein, and Wild Turkey Playa Lake Wildlife Areas) and other duties as assigned. This position will be responsible for operating and maintaining agricultural equipment that will include trucks, trailers, tractors, implements, skid steers, ATVs/UTVs, and sprayers.

Duties: 

• Supervising, and implementing habitat management work on cooperating private landowners which will include but not limited to edge feathering, herbicide application, prescribed burning, native grass establishment, shrubby cover establishment, moist soil management and brush management with skid steer and chainsaw. Procuring supplies and equipment;
• Procuring supplies and equipment
• Providing public information;
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys;
• Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees;
• Performs other related duties as assigned;
• Job may require odd hours and travel/time away from home

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 food plots, etc.), operation of skid loader with tree saw, brush grapple and toother attachments, identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies;
• Safe transportation/hauling of equipment;
• 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

Start Date: March 

Salary/Pay: $37,440, depending on experience and qualifications + benefits

Application Deadline: February 24

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.