Senior Habitat Specialist (Crew Lead)

Application Deadline: July 5, 2026Anticipated Start Date: July/August 2026Starting Salary: $55,000-75,000 commensurate with experience + benefits (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).Overview: Work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever (PFQF) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to enhance and increase wildlife and pollinator habitat within designated roadside prairie and landscape-level resource management areas across Central Illinois (IDOT Districts 5 and 6).This position is for a full-time, permanent employee of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. This new and unique partnership will allow for varied field duties including prescribed fire, natural community identification and management, invasive species control, crew leadership, and project coordination among multiple organizations.Duties: The incumbent will lead a team of four (4) habitat specialist crew members as they work with partners to coordinate and conduct wildlife habitat management practices throughout Central Illinois (IDOT Districts 5 and 6). Major responsibilities include:Implement habitat management work on IDOT ROW that includes but is not limited to edge feathering, herbicide application, burn line construction and prescribed burning, invasive/exotic plant control, native shrub establishment and native grass/forb establishmentProcure supplies and equipment following IDOT/Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever best management practices. Coordinate project prioritization and schedulesManagement of four habitat specialist crew membersProvide habitat management technical assistance and information to IDOTAssist with grant reporting duties in conjunction with partnership agreementServe as burn boss for prescribed firesEnsure habitat management activities are accurately reported, mapped and entered on timePerform other related duties as assignedJob may require odd hours and travel/time away from homeRequired Knowledge Skills and Abilities:A solid understanding of environmental, ecological, and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience determined by the partners to be relevant. Preference will be given to candidates with bachelor’s degrees with an emphasis in ecology, forestry, or wildlife managementAt least one year of experience conducting upland habitat management, prescribed burning, operating tractors and agricultural implements (disking, mowing, fire line creation, etc.), identification and control of invasive species and other undesired vegetationSafe transportation/hauling of equipmentAbility to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners, colleagues, and partner agenciesExperience in GIS systems and mappingAbility to work independently with little supervisionKnowledge of wildlife ecology, and grassland management, including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitatAbility to successfully pass an arduous pack test annuallyAbility to lift 50+ pounds safely and repeatedlyExcellent verbal/written communication and organizational skillsValid driver’s license requiredAbility to operate and maintain equipment such as ATV’s, UTV’s, trucks and power tools such as chainsawsHave or be able to attain an Illinois Right-of-Way (ROW) pesticide applicator license within 6 months of start dateProven fireline leadership abilities, including leading prescribed fires. Proven abilities to write burn plans. Minimum: Prescribed Fire Course Work: S130/S190, IS-100.C, IS700.b, L180Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Two years of proven experience in managing a work teamTwo years of experience conducting prescribed burns. Desired: Prescribed Coursework: Same as Minimum plus: S131, S-290 and a Rx burn plan writing courseTwo years of experience using mechanical or chemical methods for controlling invasive speciesTwo years of experience operating and maintaining tractors, discs, and planting equipmentTraining and Experience Guideline: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. More than one year of work experience in a wildlife, forestry, or agricultural-related job. Applicants with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience are preferred. Continued training and professional development opportunities will be provided.To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and 3 references into a single Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.If you have questions about the position, contact Katie Kauzlarich-Stockman, PF/QF Illinois State Coordinator, at kkauzlarich@pheasantsforever.org or (309) 264-1678.Pheasants Forever, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, e-Verify 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 a disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.Powered by JazzHRhjBExjbEbD