Habitat Specialist; Tuttle Creek

Location: Tuttle Creek Wildlife Management Area (near Olsburg, Kansas)

Final date to receive applications: July 30, 2026

Anticipated

Start Date:

August 30, 2026

Starting Salary: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases.

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 Tuttle Creek 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. 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.

• 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.

Tuttle Creek WMA is situated in the beautiful Flint Hills region of Kansas. The lake is the second largest in the state offering 12,000 acres of water and 100 miles of irregular wooded shoreline. Tuttle Creek Lake, being the key unit of flood control projects within the Kansas River Basin, may swell to 54,000 acres. KDWP also manages 17,800 acres of land on the north end of the lake for wildlife benefit.

In addition to permanent habitat enhancement, KDWP provides 3,220 acres of cropland for winter food. Because of the flooding, area management will focus on enhancing wetland habitat. 480 acres of constructed wetlands provide food and shelter to migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Other species managed for include white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, pheasants, squirrels and doves. Also tied in with the Tuttle…