Deadline: Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Kansas Location Detail: Kansas – Byron Walker Wildlife Area/Kingman State Fishing Lake Job Description: Overview: This position is part of a partnership between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the Byron Walker Wildlife Management Area and Kingman State Fishing Lake. 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. Duties: The incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management areas. Major responsibilities include and vary depending on duty station: 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. Qualifications: 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. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies. Ability to work independently with little supervision. Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license required. Training and Experience Guideline: Preferred qualification for this position is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or related field and/or related experience. Other preferred, but not required qualifications include 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. Proper training will be provided as necessary for the successful candidate. Miscellaneous: Description of Work Area: Byron Walker: The Byron Walker Wildlife Area is located in the physiographic area known as the High Plains, this region covers most of the western 1-third of Kansas. The High Plains name comes from its elevation. The Kansas High Plains region is an area of vast flatlands and gently rolling plains. Soils are largely sandy loams which lean toward being xeric. The wildlife area encompasses 5,178 total acres made up of largely mixed grass prairie and riparian woodlands. The Ninnescah River bisects the area from the west to the east boundaries. Several ponds and developed wetlands have been constructed to increase fishing and waterfowling opportunities. Grazing and prescribed burns are used to maintain the grassland/shrublands in a lower plant successional stage that is conducive to ground-nesting birds like bobwhite and turkey. Kingman State Fishing Lake: The fishing lake covers approximately 144 acres and is actually an area formerly known as the Callahan Marsh that was impounded in 1930 by crews with horses and slips constructing the original dam. The lake offers camping, fishing, and hunting opportunities with bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two thirds of the lake is managed as a waterfowl refuge, one third is open to hunting. Salary: Starting Salary Information: $18.00/hour starting salary, benefits, up to $200/month student loan reimbursement, and modest performance-based yearly increases Benefits: view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs How to Apply: To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single Word Document or PDF File before clicking the blue 'Apply' button and then uploading to the “Resume” section of your application on our recruitment website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs (our benefits summary is also viewable on our website). If you have additional questions, please contact Eran Sandquist, conservation delivery director, at 763 242 1273.
