SD Habitat Specialist , II, or III

Join to apply for the SD Habitat Specialist I, II, or III role at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

Location:

Mitchell, SD

Final date to receive applications:
Open until filled

Anticipated

Start Date:

January/February 2026

This full‑time position is part of a partnership between South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (SDGFP) and Pheasants Forever, Inc (PF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on public wildlife management areas as a full‑time, permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and will receive daily leadership from SDGFP Field Managers. The position will be based at a SDGFP shop location in Mitchell, SD.

The Habitat Specialist will provide technical skills for crew members and agency partners to positively impact wildlife habitat by restoring and managing grasslands, wetlands, and forests on public and private lands throughout the country. Responsibilities include implementation of habitat improvement practices such as grass and shrub plantings, prescribed fire, herbicide and pesticide application, encroachment removal, and equipment maintenance across uneven terrain and remote locations.

Habitat Specialist I

• Implement habitat management work on private and public lands: edge feathering, herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native grass/forb establishment, shrubby cover establishment, and timber stand improvement.
• Participate in construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, equipment, and implements.
• Serve as burn crew member on public lands and maintain qualifications, including additional training.
• Accurately report and enter habitat management activities in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Habitat Specialist II

• Implement habitat management work on public lands—including herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native grass/forb establishment, and shrubby cover establishment.
• Assist crew lead in procuring supplies and equipment following best‑management practices and procurement policies.
• Participate in construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, equipment, and implements.
• Assist with grant reporting duties in collaboration with organizations.
• Serve as burn crew member on public and private lands and maintain qualifications and training.
• Accurately report and enter habitat management activities in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Habitat Specialist III

• Implement habitat management work on public lands—including herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native grass/forb establishment, and shrubby cover establishment.
• Co‑lead procurement of supplies and equipment following best‑management practices and procurement policies.
• Co‑lead construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, equipment, and implements.
• Assist with grant reporting duties in collaboration with organizations.
• Serve as burn crew lead or members on public lands, maintain qualifications and training.
• Accurately report and enter habitat management activities in a timely manner.
• Participate in training and evaluation of seasonal employees (if applicable).
• Assist or lead hiring of other crew members and seasonal employees.
• Supervise invoicing, implementation and implementation planning.
• Where applicable responsible for pre‑planning and prioritizing crew work schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Habitat Specialist I

• Some experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), and controlling noxious weeds.
• Some experience in safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Clear and effective communication with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Familiarity with internet and electronic communication.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and/or forest management and use of habitat management equipment.
• Satisfactory verbal and written communication and organizational…