Habitat Specialist I (Seasonal)

Pheasants Forever; Waynesboro (GA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Shared housing

Technology stipend

Health, vision, dental insurance after

401(k) employer match

Job summary

Pheasants Forever is seeking one seasonal Habitat Specialist I to assist with prescribed fire operations and habitat restoration on Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area in Waynesboro, GA. The role is hourly and seasonal, January through April 2027, with on-site supervision and field instruction provided by partner agencies.

Responsibilities include habitat management, prescribed fire, and public land maintenance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 1–2 years related experience.
• Ability to obtain FFT2 qualifications with required trainings.
• Capability to meet physical fitness standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform wildlife habitat management activities including prescribed fire and other land work.
• Support public land maintenance and use of basic power tools and equipment.
• Work outdoors in varying weather and long hours as needed.
• Collaborate with partners and agencies on habitat restoration projects.
• Assist with quail surveys and outreach as assigned.

Skills

Physical fitness

Clear communication

Valid driver's license

ATV/UTV operation

Teamwork

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Discs

Planting equipment

Job description

Anticipated Start and End Date:

January through April 2027

Location:

Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area, Waynesboro, Georgia

Overview:

Quail Forever (QF) is seeking one seasonal Habitat Specialist I to assist with prescribed fire operations and habitat restoration/management on Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area, surrounding public lands and occasionally private lands, primarily targeting managing bobwhite quail habitat within the designated priority geographies in Southeast Georgia identified by Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Bobwhite Quail Initiative. The position will be an employee of QF and supervised by QF Georgia Habitat Specialist Manager, with daily on-the-ground instruction and leadership provided by GADNR Technician 4. This is an hourly, seasonal position beginning January 2027 and ending April 2027.

Duties:

In this position, the incumbent will work with partners to conduct habitat management practices with a focus on bobwhite quail habitat restoration including, prescribed fire, early-succession management, and ecological restoration. The priority work area will be on public lands in Southeast Georgia.

Major responsibilities include:

• Perform wildlife habitat management activities including: prescribed fire operations, disking, invasive species control, native vegetation establishment, and other land management activities, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
• Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes. This duty will require fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities. Serve as a burn crew member with partner agency on public and private lands. Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed. Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions.
• General public land maintenance involving maintenance, and repair of equipment & implements used during your work. These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment; drills, saws, hand tools, chain saws, trimmers, small mowers etc.
• These assignments will require the ability to work well with others, work outdoors under all types of weather conditions, and to withstand physically demanding work, i.e., lifting, bending and hauling. The work schedule may require long, irregular hours, and will vary day to day based on weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned may involve: occasionally assisting with northern bobwhite quail surveys and other scientific surveys. Occasionally assisting with outreach and education efforts. Performing other habitat management related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Associated degree or 1-2 years of related experience. A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural, and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the partners.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ISC (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position.
• Capability to achieve physical fitness standards, Moderate Pack Text (2 miles in 30 minutes with a 25lbs pack)
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge to safely operate and transport ATV’s, UTV’s, chainsaws, tractors, discs, and planting equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written direction.
• Valid driver’s license required and an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of upland habitat management and restoration, prescribed fire, identification and control of invasive plant species.
• One year of experience conducting prescribed burns.
• One year of experience applying herbicides to control undesirable species and/or timber stand improvement using chainsaws or hack and squirt methods.

Housing:

Shared housing with basic utilities will be provided at Di-Lane Wildlife Management area in Waynesboro, Georgia at no cost to the employee.

Salary and Benefits:

• $17-20 per hour (Commensurate with qualifications).
• Technology stipend provided.
• Vehicles and equipment are provided to perform work related activities.
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available. (Offered after 90 days of employment)
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%. (Offered after 90 days of employment).

For additional questions:

Please contact Erick Rietschier, Quail Forever Georgia Habitat Specialist Manager, at [e-mail] or Miranda Gulsby, Quail Forever Georgia State Coordinator, at [e-mail].

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.