Habitat Specialist (Texas Lake)

Location: Texas Lake Wildlife Area (near Pratt, Kansas) Application Deadline: July 30, 2026 Anticipated Start Date: August 30, 2026 Starting Salary Information: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases. View benefits summary on our recruitment website at Overview This position is part of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the Texas Lake Wildlife Management Area and other wildlife areas. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers. The role provides professional services and prepares employees for potential advancement in the natural resources field through training in planning, management, and implementation of habitat practices. Duties Supervising and implementing habitat management work on public lands, including prescribed burning, mechanical tree removal, food plot establishment, brome conversion, native grass establishment, dove field management, and herbicide application. Participating in scientific field studies and surveys such as spotlight deer surveys, pheasant and turkey brood surveys, waterfowl surveys, and assisting other biologists and divisions with sampling and surveys. Coordinating agricultural permits and habitat plans using GIS. Managing intensely managed wetlands with a focus on moist soil management, including wetland draw downs, water pumping, use of water control structures, wetland design, infrastructure repairs and maintenance, soil disturbance techniques, flood response, row crop production, and use of a variety of tools and equipment. Procuring supplies and equipment. Supervising and participating in the construction, maintenance, and repair of area buildings, equipment, and roads. Providing public outreach. Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees. Performing other related duties as assigned. 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 a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on wildlife management. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, partner agencies and work independently with little supervision. Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills. Valid driver’s license required. Training and Experience Guideline Preferred qualification is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or related field and/or related experience. Strongly preferred qualifications include a basic understanding of upland habitat management, prescribed burning, tractor and implement operation, equipment transportation, hand and power tools, noxious weed identification and management, wildlife and grassland ecology, and GIS, especially ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro. Proper training will be provided as necessary for the successful candidate. To Apply Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single Word Document or PDF File before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at If you have additional questions, please contact Kent Hensley, PF/QF Kansas Habitat Specialist Manager, at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Description of Area The Texas Lake Wildlife Area is approximately 15 miles west of Pratt, KS. This will be the physical office location. The wildlife area encompasses 1,200 acres and is managed primarily for hunting. Although Texas Lake is a natural wetland, prior to its purchase by the State of Kansas most of the area was farmed, and some filling of wetlands occurred. Today, intensive management has restored both wetland and upland areas. The area includes native grasslands, shelterbelts, plum thickets, and an extensive wetland complex that creates a diversity of habitat for this small area. The wetlands are managed for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Other public lands managed in this unit include Pratt Sandhills Wildlife Area (5,715 acres), Isabel Wetlands Wildlife Area (480 acres), Barber State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area (190 acres), Pratt Backwaters (≈10 acres of public fishing access), and Kiowa State Fishing Lake (50 acres). The major habitat management practices utilized on the wildlife areas include grazing, mechanical and chemical removal of trees and brush, prescribed fire, and water level management. In addition to habitat management, all assigned areas have public use facilities and infrastructure to maintain. This Habitat Specialist position will be involved in all those duties. Pheasants Forever, Inc 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Forever, Inc