HABITAT SPECIALIST

Association for Fire Ecology; On; Sur place; EUR 34 000 - 38 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Pheasants and Quail Forever in Columbia, SC seeks a Habitat Specialist to conduct prescribed fire and habitat management on private lands and designated public lands within priority geographies. The role supports the Quail Forever SC program and collaborates with NRCS and state partners.

The position requires the ability to travel, work independently, and adapt to flexible hours. A background in wildlife management and field equipment handling is preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science.
• Preference for associate degree or higher in wildlife management.
• Experience with prescribed fire and field equipment.

Responsabilités

• Implement prescribed fire and habitat management on private and public lands.
• Assist with surveys of northern bobwhite quail and other grassland birds.
• Procure supplies and equipment.
• Provide public information and participate in field studies.
• Attend prescribed fire and habitat management training.
• Other duties may include firebreak rehab, herbicide work, and land management activities.

Connaissances

Wildlife ecology

Habitat management

Prescribed fire

Communication

Independent work

Field surveys

Formation

Associate degree in Wildlife Management

Outils

ATVs

Side by Sides

Description du poste

Kjersten Peterson

August 3, 2026

South Carolina

Habitat Specialist

Kjersten Peterson

August 3, 2026

South Carolina

Job Type: Full time, on-site

Location: Pheasants and Quail Forever - Columbia, South Carolina

Pay: $40,000-$44,000/year

Application Deadline: open until filled

Description

This position is part of a partnership between Pheasants and Quail Forever (QF), The Longleaf Alliance, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and several other agencies. Under the direction of the Quail Forever SC Prescribed Fire Coordinator, incumbents will conduct prescribed fire and habitat management work on cooperating private land as well as targeted public lands within designated priority geographies within South Carolina as part of the state’s Quail management program. These positions are full-time, permanent employees of Quail Forever and will receive daily leadership from QF staff. This position will be in the Columbia, SC area. This position is currently funded through Sept 30, 2027. The continuation of the position is dependent on the acquisition of additional funding.

Job Duties

• Implementing Prescribed Fire and habitat management work on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands.
• Occasionally assist with northern bobwhite quail and other grassland bird surveys, including but not limited to spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands.
• Procuring supplies and equipment.
• Providing public information.
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys.
• Attending/Assisting with prescribed fire and other habitat management technique training.
• Other duties may include Firebreak rehabilitation and maintenance, light to medium herbicide work, and other various land management activities.
• 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 an associate degree or higher with an emphasis in wildlife management.
• Experience conducting prescribed fire safely and effectively, operating ATVs and Side by Sides while conducting prescribed burns, identification and control of invasive 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.
• Applicants may be required to obtain a private pesticide applicators license and prescribed fire training.
• Overall, this position will require a hard worker who is not afraid to get their hands dirty and comes to work each day with a can-do attitude and the energy and passion to do whatever it takes to get the job done!

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• The following courses are preferred to have already been completed by applicant:
• Introduction to IC… (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.

Education And Experience Preferred

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 wildlife management or agricultural related job. Applicants who possess an associate degree in Forestry or Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience are preferred.