Habitat Specialist

Forever, Inc; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision, dental and more

401(k) Retirement plan with employer 5

Student Loan Assistance program

Vehicle Stipend

Paid Time Off 15 days per year

Holidays and leave benefits

Job summary

Pheasants Forever in Columbia, SC seeks a Habitat Specialist to conduct prescribed fire and habitat work on private and public lands within the state. The role is full-time and based in the Columbia area, with leadership from QF staff and multi-agency collaboration.

The position requires knowledge of wildlife biology, grassland management, and field survey techniques. Overnight travel and flexible hours may be necessary. A background in wildlife management strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and natural resource science.
• Associate degree or higher in wildlife management preferred.
• Experience with prescribed fire, wildlife habitat work, and field surveys.

Responsibilities

• Implement prescribed fire and habitat management on private and public lands.
• Assist with quail surveys and other bird surveys, vegetation surveys, and ARU management.
• Procure supplies and equipment for field operations.
• Provide public information and community outreach.
• Participate in scientific field studies and training
• Support firebreak rehab and maintenance; may include some travel and odd hours.

Skills

Prescribed fire

Wildlife habitat

ATV operation

Public information

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Wildlife Management

Tools

ATVs

Side by Sides

Herbicide application

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:


• 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:

$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.