Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
SD Habitat Specialist I, II, or III
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Mitchell, South Dakota, United States, 57301
Join to apply for the SD Habitat Specialist I, II, or III role at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.
Location: Mitchell, SD
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated Start Date: January/February 2026
Overview 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.
Specific Duties 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.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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 skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Working knowledge of GPS, digital mapping, reading physical maps, compass navigation in remote locations.
Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission.
Habitat Specialist II
Moderate experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements, and controlling noxious weeds.
Moderate 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 minimal supervision.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and/or forest management and use of habitat management equipment.
Proficient verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Functional knowledge of GPS, digital mapping, reading physical maps, compass navigation in remote locations.
Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission.
Habitat Specialist III (Crew Lead can apply)
Extensive experience in upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements, and controlling noxious weeds.
Can independently and safely transport/haul equipment.
Ability to co‑lead communications with colleagues and partner agencies.
Competent with internet, electronic communication, digital meeting platforms and calendars.
Ability to work independently, supervise others, and assist with training.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and/or forest management and use of habitat management equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Advanced or functional knowledge of GPS, digital mapping, reading physical maps, compass navigation in remote locations.
Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission and ability to motivate and encourage team members.
Additional preferred skills: work out of a home office; assist other delivery staff with planning meetings, habitat workshops, legislative gatherings; keep technology updated; CDL driver’s license may be required for some positions.
Training and Experience Guideline Habitat Specialist I
A high school diploma or GED plus a combination of training or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to complete job duties. One‑two years of work experience in wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operation, or agriculture. Detail oriented, innovative, resourceful self‑starter who works independently when needed, and a team player with strong oral and written communication skills.
Habitat Specialist II
A high school diploma or GED plus a combination of training or experience. Two‑three years of work experience in wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operation, or agriculture. Detail oriented, innovative, self‑starter who works with minimal supervision, team oriented, strong communication skills. Associate or Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field and/or additional field experience preferred.
Habitat Specialist III
A high school diploma or GED plus a combination of training or experience. Three‑four years of work experience in wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operation, or agriculture. Detail oriented, innovative, self‑starter who works with minimal supervision, team oriented, strong communication skills. Associate or Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field and/or additional field experience preferred.
Duties
Direct and implement habitat management work on public wildlife areas.
Procuring supplies and equipment.
Construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, farm equipment, implements, parking areas and roads.
Coordinating agricultural permits.
Habitat work may include site preparation, planting, food plot management, native seedings, dense nesting cover, shrub or shelterbelt plantings, tree removal and prescribed fire.
Participate in scientific field studies and surveys.
Participate in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Salary and Benefits Salary: $40,000–$50,000 starting, depending on experience. Benefits summary available at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
To Apply Please combine your cover letter, resume and three references into a single Word document or Adobe PDF file before uploading to your application on our website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
Contact Matt Gottlob, PF/QF South Dakota State Coordinator, 605‑421‑8821 or mgottlob@pheasantsforever.org.
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.
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Location: Mitchell, SD
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated Start Date: January/February 2026
Overview 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.
Specific Duties 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.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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 skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Working knowledge of GPS, digital mapping, reading physical maps, compass navigation in remote locations.
Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission.
Habitat Specialist II
Moderate experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements, and controlling noxious weeds.
Moderate 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 minimal supervision.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and/or forest management and use of habitat management equipment.
Proficient verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Functional knowledge of GPS, digital mapping, reading physical maps, compass navigation in remote locations.
Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission.
Habitat Specialist III (Crew Lead can apply)
Extensive experience in upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements, and controlling noxious weeds.
Can independently and safely transport/haul equipment.
Ability to co‑lead communications with colleagues and partner agencies.
Competent with internet, electronic communication, digital meeting platforms and calendars.
Ability to work independently, supervise others, and assist with training.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland and/or forest management and use of habitat management equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Advanced or functional knowledge of GPS, digital mapping, reading physical maps, compass navigation in remote locations.
Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission and ability to motivate and encourage team members.
Additional preferred skills: work out of a home office; assist other delivery staff with planning meetings, habitat workshops, legislative gatherings; keep technology updated; CDL driver’s license may be required for some positions.
Training and Experience Guideline Habitat Specialist I
A high school diploma or GED plus a combination of training or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to complete job duties. One‑two years of work experience in wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operation, or agriculture. Detail oriented, innovative, resourceful self‑starter who works independently when needed, and a team player with strong oral and written communication skills.
Habitat Specialist II
A high school diploma or GED plus a combination of training or experience. Two‑three years of work experience in wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operation, or agriculture. Detail oriented, innovative, self‑starter who works with minimal supervision, team oriented, strong communication skills. Associate or Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field and/or additional field experience preferred.
Habitat Specialist III
A high school diploma or GED plus a combination of training or experience. Three‑four years of work experience in wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operation, or agriculture. Detail oriented, innovative, self‑starter who works with minimal supervision, team oriented, strong communication skills. Associate or Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field and/or additional field experience preferred.
Duties
Direct and implement habitat management work on public wildlife areas.
Procuring supplies and equipment.
Construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, farm equipment, implements, parking areas and roads.
Coordinating agricultural permits.
Habitat work may include site preparation, planting, food plot management, native seedings, dense nesting cover, shrub or shelterbelt plantings, tree removal and prescribed fire.
Participate in scientific field studies and surveys.
Participate in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Salary and Benefits Salary: $40,000–$50,000 starting, depending on experience. Benefits summary available at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
To Apply Please combine your cover letter, resume and three references into a single Word document or Adobe PDF file before uploading to your application on our website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
Contact Matt Gottlob, PF/QF South Dakota State Coordinator, 605‑421‑8821 or mgottlob@pheasantsforever.org.
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.
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