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 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 September 30, 2027. The continuation of the position is dependent on the acquisition of additional 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 on private and conservation lands. Procuring supplies and equipment. Provide public information. Participate in scientific field studies and surveys. Attend and assist 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, and identifying and controlling invasive weeds and other undesired vegetation. Safe transportation and 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 and written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license required. Applicants may be required to obtain a private pesticide applicator’s 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 Courses and Experience 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 an agricultural‑related job. Applicants who possess an associate degree in forestry or wildlife management or a closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience are preferred. Salary Range and Benefits Salary: $40,000 to $44,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance‑based raises. Health, vision, and dental 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr