Habitat Specialist

Habitat Specialist Location: Columbia, South Carolina Application Deadline: Open Continuous until Filled Anticipated State Date: April 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 in 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. They are located in the Columbia, SC area and are currently funded through September 30, 2027. Continuation of the position is subject to future funding. Job Duties Implement prescribed fire and habitat management on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands. Occasionally assist with northern bobwhite quail and other grassland bird surveys, including spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands. Procure supplies and equipment. Provide public information. Participate in scientific field studies and surveys. Attend/assist with prescribed fire and other habitat management technique training. Perform other duties such as firebreak rehabilitation and maintenance, light to medium herbicide work, and other varied 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 substitute for experience as determined relevant by the partners. Preference will be given to candidates with an associate degree or higher emphasizing wildlife management. Experience conducting prescribed fire safely and effectively, operating ATVs and side‑by‑side vehicles while conducting prescribed burns, identifying and controlling 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 minimal supervision. Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest management, including the use of various habitat management equipment and tools in habitat development. Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license. Applicants may be required to obtain a private pesticide applicator’s license and prescribed fire training. The position requires a hard worker who is not afraid to get hands dirty and approaches work each day with a can‑do attitude and the energy and passion to get the job done. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Completed courses: Introduction to ICSI-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 enables the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. One year of work experience in wildlife management or an agriculture‑related job is preferred. Applicants with an associate degree in forestry or wildlife management or a closely related natural resources field are preferred. Salary Range $40,000 to $44,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance‑based raises. Benefits Health, vision, dental, and other 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. Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law. Contact David Silverberg, South Carolina Prescribed Fire Coordinator (240) 441‑6801, View email address on click.appcast.io Jacob McClain, South Carolina State Coordinator (412) 298‑0671, View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr