Habitat Specialist

pheasantsforever; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Student loan assistance

Vehicle stipend

Paid time off

Bereavement/Family/Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Job summary

Pheasants Forever in Columbia, SC, is seeking a Habitat Specialist to implement prescribed fire and habitat management on private and public lands. The role supports quail management efforts across designated SC geographies and requires travel and variable hours.

A strong background in wildlife management, ecology, and field techniques is expected, with an emphasis on safety and collaboration. The position is full-time and funded through Sept 30, 2027, with competitive benefits and opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience conducting prescribed fire safely and effectively.
• Ability to operate ATVs/Side-by-Sides during burns.
• Identification and control of invasive weeds and undesired vegetation.
• Safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat management.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Competence in obtaining pesticide licenses and prescribed fire training if required.
• Hard-working attitude with willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Implement prescribed fire and habitat management on cooperating private land and public lands.
• Assist with quail surveys and related field data collection.
• Procure supplies and equipment for field operations.
• Provide public information about projects and outcomes.
• Participate in scientific field studies and surveys.
• Attend prescribed fire and habitat management training sessions.
• Perform related land management tasks including firebreak maintenance and herbicide work.

Skills

Wildlife management

Prescribed fire

ATV/Side-by-Side operation

Communication

Independent work

Wildlife ecology

Driver's license

Pesticide license training

Hard work ethic

Education

Associate degree in Forestry or Wildlife Management

Job description

Habitat Specialist

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Application Deadline: Open Continuous until Filled

Anticipated State Date: October 2026

Overview

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:
• 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.

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.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $40,000 to $44,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises, plus benefits include:

• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
• Vehicle Stipend of up to $300/month for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
• 13 Paid holidays.

Contact

David Silverberg, South Carolina Prescribed Fire Coordinator [e-mail] or [phone]; or, Jacob McClain, South Carolina State Coordinator [e-mail] or [phone]

Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.