AR Habitat Specialist I - Russellville

Overview: These positions are part of a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Pheasants Forever, Inc. (PF). Under the direction of AGFC staff and the Habitat Specialist Crew Leader, incumbents will 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 Quail management program.  These positions are full-time, permanent employees of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from AGFC staff. These positions will be located at the AGFC Russellville Regional Office.

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

•    Implementing habitat management work on cooperating private landowners 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 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.

Pay: $30,000-$32,000 depending upon qualifications and experience.

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. If you have questions, contact: Ryan Diener, Arkansas State Coordinator, 636-399-8733.

To Apply and for a complete list of current job openings, visit our Recruitment website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs 

Pheasants Forever, Inc. & Habitat Forever, LLC is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled