Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

 The Habitat Organization

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Habitat Specialist - Burn Crew Member

Russellville, Arkansas

(1 Opening)

Application Deadline:  May 22, 2024, or Until Filled (whichever comes first)

Anticipated Start Date: June 2024

Overview: This position is part of a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Quail Forever (QF). Under the direction of AGFC staff and the Habitat Specialist Coordinator, the incumbent will join a team of Habitat Specialists to conduct habitat management work on cooperating private land as well as targeted public lands within designated priority geographies within Arkansas as part of the state’s Private Lands and Quail management programs.  This position is a full-time, permanent employees of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and will receive daily leadership from AGFC and QF staff. This position is located at the AGFC Russellville Regional Office.

Duties: The incumbent will conduct wildlife habitat management practices throughout multiple priority areas. Major responsibilities include:

• Perform all tasks associated with conducting prescribed burning
• Implementing habitat management work on cooperating private landowner properties as well as public lands that includes but is not limited to edge feathering, herbicide application, prescribed burning, native grass/forb establishment, shrubby cover establishment, and timber stand improvement (hack and squirt or chainsaw method)
• Procuring supplies and equipment 
• Providing public information
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys 
• Attending/Assisting with prescribed fire and other habitat management technique trainings
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• 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 the partners.  Preference will be given to candidates that possess a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in wildlife management.
• Experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation
• Safe transportation/hauling of equipment
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest 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 will be required to pass a Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) annually.
• Applicant may be required to obtain a CDL, private pesticide applicators license and prescribed fire training

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The following courses are preferred to have already been completed by applicant:

Course Title

Course Number

Introduction to ICS

I-100

Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service

L-180

Firefighter Training 

S-130

Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

S-190

NIMS: An Introduction

IS-700

• One year of experience conducting prescribed burns and/or timber stand improvement using chainsaws or hack and squirt methods
• One year of experience applying herbicides to control undesirable species
• One year of experience operating tractors, discs, and planting equipment

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.

Salary: $40,000 + benefits (see benefits summary on our Careers page at www.quailforever.org/jobs)

To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into 1 Word document or PDF file before clicking on the blue APPLY button at the bottom of the page or upper right corner and uploading to the “Resume” area of your application. For a complete list of current job openings visit the recruitment website at www.quailforever.org/jobs

If you have questions about the position, contact:  Austin Ray, Arkansas Habitat Specialist Coordinator at 251-447-5132

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.