SD Habitat Specialist , II, or III

Habitat Specialist I, II, or III

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 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.

• 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).
• Participate 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.

• 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.
• Participate 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.

• 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.
• Participate in training and evaluation of seasonal employees (if applicable).
• Assist or lead the hiring of other crew members and seasonal employees.
• Supervise invoicing and implementation planning.
• Where applicable responsible for preplanning and prioritizing the work schedule for the crew.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• 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…