Habitat Specialist; Marais des Cygnes

Location: Marais des Cygnes and Hillsdale Wildlife Management Area and other wildlife areas (near Pleasanton, Kansas)

Final date to receive applications: 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 benefit summary on our recruitment website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

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 Marais des Cygnes and Hillsdale Wildlife Management Area along with other wildlife areas. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers.

This position not only provides professional services but also prepares employees for potential advancement in the natural resources field by providing training in planning, management, and implementation of habitat practices.

The incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management areas. Major responsibilities include and vary depending on duty station:

• Supervising and implementing habitat management work on public lands which will include but is not limited to prescribed burning, mechanical tree removal with skid steer, food plot establishment, brome conversion, native grass establishment, dove field management, and herbicide application.
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys which will include spotlight deer surveys, pheasant crow counts, quail whistle counts, pheasant and turkey brood surveys, fall covey counts, and waterfowl surveys. Incumbent may assist other biologists and divisions with sampling, surveys, and other duties.
• Coordinating agricultural permits and habitat plans using GIS.
• Participate in habitat management of intensely managed wetlands with a focus on moist soil management. Including wetland draw downs, water pumping, use of a variety of water control structures, wetland design, infrastructure repairs and maintenance, soil disturbance techniques, flood response, row crop production, and use of large array of tools and equipment to meet management objectives.
• 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.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• 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/written communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred qualification for this position 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 Arc Map or ArcGIS Pro. Proper training will be provided as necessary for the successful candidate.

The Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area is approximately 45 minutes south of Overland Park, Kansas. It lies in the floodplain of the Marais des Cygnes River and is unique for its quantity of managed wetlands and bottom land hardwood forest. The array of wetland units are managed for a diversity of habitat types, producing abundant food and cover for migratory waterfowl and other wetland species.

In general, wetlands are dewatered in the spring and reflooded in the…