SD Habitat Specialist I, II, or III

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 their fellow habitat specialist crew members and agency partners to positively impact wildlife habitat by restoring and managing grasslands, wetlands, and forests on publicly and owned lands throughout the country. This position will focus on implementing habitat improvement practices including but not limited to grass and shrub plantings, prescribed fire, herbicide, and pesticide application, encroachment removal, and equipment maintenance, all in uneven terrain and remote locations.

Specific Duties:

Habitat Specialist I 

• Implement habitat management work on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands that include but is not limited to 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 (hack and squirt or chainsaw method).
• Participating in the construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, equipment & implements used during your work.
• Serve as burn crew members on public lands and maintain qualifications and participate in any additional training.
• Ensure habitat management activities are accurately reported and entered in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Habitat Specialist II 

• Implement habitat management work on public lands that include but is not limited to herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native grass/forb establishment, and shrubby cover establishment.
• Assist crew lead to procure supplies and equipment following Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever best management practices and procurement policies.
• Participating in the construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, equipment & implements used during your work.
• Assist with grant reporting duties in conjunction with collaborating organizations.
• Serve as burn crew members on public and private lands and maintain qualifications and participate in any additional training.
• Ensure habitat management activities are accurately reported and entered in a timely manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Habitat Specialist III 

• Implement habitat management work on public lands that include but is not limited to herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native grass/forb establishment, shrubby cover establishment.
• Co-lead the procurement supplies and equipment following Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever best management practices and procurement policies.
• Co-lead the construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities, equipment & implements used during your work.
• Assist with grant reporting duties in conjunction with collaborating organizations.
• Serve as burn crew lead or members on public land and maintain qualifications and participate in any additional training.
• Ensure habitat management activities are accurately reported and entered in a timely manner.
• Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees (if applicable).
• Assist or lead the hiring of other crew members and seasonal employees.
• Supervise invoicing, implementation and implementation planning.
• Where applicable responsible for preplanning and prioritizing the work schedule for the crew.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Habitat Specialist I 

• Has some experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors, and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation.
• Has some experience in the safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Has the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Familiarity with the internet and sending electronic communication.
• Has the ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat.
• Satisfactory verbal/written communication and organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Working knowledge of the use of GPS, digital mapping programs, reading physical maps, and compass navigation.in remote locations.
• Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission.

 Habitat Specialist II 

• Has moderate experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors, and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation.
• Has moderate experience with the safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Familiarity with the internet and sending electronic communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat.
• Proficient verbal/written communication and organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Functional knowledge of the use of GPS, digital mapping programs, reading physical maps, and compass navigation.in remote locations.
• Passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vision and mission.

Habitat Specialist III (can be a Crew Lead) 

• Extensive experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors, and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, planting food plots, etc.), identification and control of noxious weeds and other undesired vegetation.
• Can independently and safely transport/ haul equipment.
• Ability to co-lead communications with colleagues and partner agencies.
• Competent with the internet and sending electronic communication and managing digital meeting platforms and calendars.
• Ability to work independently, supervise others, and assist with training others.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Advanced/ Functional knowledge of the use of GPS, digital mapping programs, reading physical maps, and 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 for Habitat Specialist 1, 2, or 3 include.
• Ability to work out of a home office.  All office equipment required for the position is supplied.
• Assist other delivery staff in planning state meetings, habitat workshops, legislative gatherings, and other meetings of importance to chapters and resource professionals.
• Keep the team’s technology updated with the necessary software packages.
• CDL driver’s license may be required for some positions.

Training and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Habitat Specialist I 
A high school diploma or GED with a combination of training and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete the job duties. One-two years of work experience in a wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operator, or agricultural related position. Applicant should be detail oriented, innovative and a resourceful self-starter that is able to work independently when needed.  Must be a team player, with good oral and written communication skills. 
 
Habitat Specialist II 
A high school diploma or GED with a combination of training and/or experience which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete the job duties. Two- three years of work experience in a wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operator, or agricultural related job. Applicant should be detail oriented, innovative and a resourceful self-starter that is able to work with minimal supervision.  Must be team oriented, with good oral and written communication skills. Applicants who possess an Associate degree or Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Environmental Science, or closely related field and/or additional field experience beyond what is described above are preferred. 
 
Habitat Specialist III 
A high school diploma or GED with a combination of training and/or experience which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete the job duties. Three-four years of work experience in a wildlife management, forestry, heavy equipment operator, or agricultural related job. Applicant should be detail oriented, innovative and a resourceful self-starter that is able to work with minimal supervision.  Must be team oriented, with good oral and written communication skills. Applicants who possess an Associate degree or Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Environmental Science, or closely related field and/or

additional field experience beyond what is described above are preferred.

Duties: Incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management area. Major responsibilities include:

• Directing, and implementing habitat management work on public wildlife areas.
• Procuring supplies and equipment.
• Participating in the construction, maintenance and repair of facilities, farm equipment & implements, parking areas, and roads.
• Coordinating agricultural permits to insure positive benefits for wildlife.
• Habitat management work may include site preparation, planting, management of food plots, diverse native seedings and dense nesting cover, shrub or shelterbelt plantings.  Tree removal and prescribed fire.
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys.
• Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Salary: $40,000-$50,000 starting, depending on experience. Benefits (Benefits Summary link available at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs)