The Role
Manage and implement habitat practices (prescribed burning, mechanical removal, planting, herbicide use), conduct wildlife and waterfowl surveys, manage wetlands and water control structures, coordinate permits and GIS-based habitat plans, maintain infrastructure and equipment, supervise/ train seasonal staff, procure supplies, and perform public outreach.
Summary Generated by Built In
Location: McPherson Valley Wetlands and other wildlife areas (near McPherson, Kansas)
Application Deadline: July 30, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: August 30, 2026
Starting Salary Information: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).
Overview: This position is part of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the McPherson Valley Wetlands and other wildlife areas. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers. This position not only provides professional services but also prepares employees for potential advancement in the natural resources field by providing training in planning, management, and implementation of habitat practices.
Duties: The incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management areas. Major responsibilities include and vary depending on duty station:
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 at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
If you have additional questions, please contact Kent Hensley, PF/QF Kansas Habitat Specialist Manager, at 785-639-8481 or [email protected].
Description of Work Area:
McPherson Valley Wetlands WA
McPherson Valley Wetlands WA (KMPWL) is located in the physiographic region known as Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. KMPWL consists of a narrow flood plain valley along the Blaze Fork Creek, flanked by native warm season grass uplands and agricultural lands. KMPWL totals 4,615 acres, comprised of three separate units in a 126 square mile area along the Blaze Fork Creek. Within the 4,615 total acres there are 1,967 acres of wetlands in 54 marshes, 1,712 acres of native grass and upland areas, and 936 acres in agricultural production.
While the wetlands are managed intensively for waterfowl and the primary activity at KMPWL is waterfowl hunting, pheasant populations thrive here, and pheasant hunting is the second most common activity on the property. With a difference of only 255 acres between wetland and upland acreage, upland game bird and habitat management are vital components of the overall management plan at KMPWL.
Ferris Demonstration WA
Ferris Demonstration WA (KFEDA) is located along the western edge of the physiographic region known as the Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. While the majority of KFEDA’s total acreage (160 ac) is in agricultural production (129 ac), the area has three waterways, eight terraces, cedar shelter belts, and an abandoned railroad right-of-way on the property. Several conservation practices have been implemented on the property, including native grass plantings, field borders, wind breaks, terracing, rounded field edges, crop rotations, and minimum tillage.
Application Deadline: July 30, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: August 30, 2026
Starting Salary Information: $19.00/hour starting salary, benefits, and modest performance-based yearly increases (view benefit summary on our recruitment website: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs).
Overview: This position is part of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF). The incumbent will conduct habitat management work on the McPherson Valley Wetlands and other wildlife areas. They are full-time, permanent employees of PFQF and will receive daily leadership from KDWP Wildlife Area Managers. This position not only provides professional services but also prepares employees for potential advancement in the natural resources field by providing training in planning, management, and implementation of habitat practices.
Duties: The incumbent will assist with all aspects of managing the assigned wildlife management areas. Major responsibilities include and vary depending on duty station:
- Supervising and implementing habitat management work on public lands which will include but is not limited to prescribed burning, mechanical tree removal with skid steer, food plot establishment, brome conversion, native grass establishment, dove field management, and herbicide application.
- Participating in scientific field studies and surveys which will include spotlight deer surveys, pheasant crow counts, quail whistle counts, pheasant and turkey brood surveys, fall covey counts, and waterfowl surveys. Incumbent may assist other biologists and divisions with sampling, surveys, and other duties.
- Coordinating agricultural permits and habitat plans using GIS.
- Participate in habitat management of intensely managed wetlands with a focus on moist soil management. Including wetland draw downs, water pumping, use of a variety of water control structures, wetland design, infrastructure repairs and maintenance, soil disturbance techniques, flood response, row crop production, and use of large array of tools and equipment to meet management objectives.
- Procuring supplies and equipment.
- Supervising and participating in the construction, maintenance and repair of area buildings, equipment, and roads.
- Providing public outreach.
- Participating in training and evaluation of seasonal employees.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the partners. Preference will be given to candidates that possess a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on wildlife management.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, partner agencies and work independently with little supervision.
- Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
- Valid driver’s license required.
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 at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs.
If you have additional questions, please contact Kent Hensley, PF/QF Kansas Habitat Specialist Manager, at 785-639-8481 or [email protected].
Description of Work Area:
McPherson Valley Wetlands WA
McPherson Valley Wetlands WA (KMPWL) is located in the physiographic region known as Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. KMPWL consists of a narrow flood plain valley along the Blaze Fork Creek, flanked by native warm season grass uplands and agricultural lands. KMPWL totals 4,615 acres, comprised of three separate units in a 126 square mile area along the Blaze Fork Creek. Within the 4,615 total acres there are 1,967 acres of wetlands in 54 marshes, 1,712 acres of native grass and upland areas, and 936 acres in agricultural production.
While the wetlands are managed intensively for waterfowl and the primary activity at KMPWL is waterfowl hunting, pheasant populations thrive here, and pheasant hunting is the second most common activity on the property. With a difference of only 255 acres between wetland and upland acreage, upland game bird and habitat management are vital components of the overall management plan at KMPWL.
Ferris Demonstration WA
Ferris Demonstration WA (KFEDA) is located along the western edge of the physiographic region known as the Wellington-McPherson Lowlands. While the majority of KFEDA’s total acreage (160 ac) is in agricultural production (129 ac), the area has three waterways, eight terraces, cedar shelter belts, and an abandoned railroad right-of-way on the property. Several conservation practices have been implemented on the property, including native grass plantings, field borders, wind breaks, terracing, rounded field edges, crop rotations, and minimum tillage.
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.
Skills Required
- Basic understanding of environmental, agricultural, or natural resource science (education may substitute for experience).
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partners and work independently with little supervision.
- Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.
- Valid driver's license.
- Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management or related field and/or related experience.
- Understanding of upland habitat management, prescribed burning, tractor and implement operation, equipment transport, hand and power tools.
- Noxious weed identification and management; wildlife and grassland ecology knowledge.
- Experience with GIS, especially ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Pheasants Forever is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to conserving pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy.
