SD Easements Habitat Specialist I, II, or III

Pheasants Forever, Inc. is hiring a Habitat Specialist I, II, or III in Lead, SD. The role involves boundary identification, land management tasks, and supervising staff. Candidates should have experience with farm equipment, habitat management, and prescribed burning. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred but not required. The position requires effective communication and problem-solving skills. Salary ranges from $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience.
Location: eastern SD, TBD

Open until filled

Anticipated start date: May 2025

Job Description: The habitat specialist will conduct boundary identification and posting boundary signs on easement properties in eastern South Dakota. This project is contracted through USDA NRCS in South Dakota. Additional onsite work will include survey work to identify boundary corners, equipment transport, site preparation, fencing operations, seed mixing and planting, mechanical weed control, and controlled burning. A willingness to work long hours when needed. Habitat Specialist will supervise up to 2 additional habitat specialists. Office duties will include detailed record keeping, time and budget management, promotion and education of best habitat practices, prescribed burn and habitat management implementation plan writing. Work with private landowners, local Pheasants Forever (PF) chapters; other partners will include state natural resource agencies, NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and other local, state and federal agencies. Habitat Specialist will implement the USDA contract to restore easement properties to include easement signage, easement fencing, and prepping land for easement management purposes.

Minimum Qualifications: PF is looking for a motivated individual with the ability to work long hours in the field during peak seasons of the year. Practical experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment including tractors, grass drills, mowers, ATV’s, truck, and gooseneck trailer is very important. Experience with practical knowledge establishing diverse native grasslands, including maintenance, and management of grasslands.

Knowledge, experience, and training in prescribed burning is very important. 2 years of farm equipment operation is required. Applicants must have a basic knowledge of Federal Farm Programs that directly relate to habitat building. Applicant must be an innovative and resourceful self-starter with excellent communication skills and be able to work with minimal supervision. Must have or ability to acquire CDL Operators License and pass DOT requirements. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Forestry or Wildlife Management, Biological Sciences, Agriculture or applicable field of study would be helpful but is not required. Practical field experience is important. This is a demanding but rewarding job, the right individual can gain incredible experience working with landowners, agencies, and volunteers building conservation projects and wildlife habitat.

Core Competencies and Special Ability Requirements: We expect the person in this position to accept varied and changing responsibilities in the job, develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with partner agencies and the public, effectively communicate both orally and in writing, develop solutions to solve problems, employ computer technology to enhance work quality, understand needs of customers, and to work evenings, Saturdays and Sundays when required.

Salary: starting salary $40,000 – $50,000 depending on experience + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).