SC Habitat Specialist

Columbia, SC
Full Time
Habitat Specialist
Entry Level
Habitat Specialist

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Application Deadline: Open Continuous until Filled

Anticipated State Date: April 2026

Overview: This position is part of a partnership between Pheasants and Quail Forever (QF), The Longleaf Alliance, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and several other agencies. Under the direction of the Quail Forever SC Prescribed Fire Coordinator, incumbents will conduct prescribed fire and habitat management work on cooperating private land as well as targeted public lands within designated priority geographies within South Carolina as part of the state’s Quail management program. These positions are full-time, permanent employees of Quail Forever and will receive daily leadership from QF staff. This position will be in the Columbia, SC area. This position is currently funded through Sept 30, 2027. The continuation of the position is dependent on the acquisition of additional funding.

Job Duties:

The incumbents will conduct wildlife habitat management practices throughout multiple priority areas. Major responsibilities include:
  • Implementing Prescribed Fire and habitat management work on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands.
  • Occasionally assist with northern bobwhite quail and other grassland bird surveys, including but not limited to spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands. 
  • Procuring supplies and equipment.
  • Providing public information.
  • Participating in scientific field studies and surveys.
  • Attending/Assisting with prescribed fire and other habitat management technique training.
  • Other duties may include Firebreak rehabilitation and maintenance, light to medium herbicide work, and other various land management activities.
  • Job may require odd hours and travel/time away from home.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
  • 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 an associate degree or higher with an emphasis in wildlife management.
  • Experience conducting prescribed fire safely and effectively, operating ATVs and Side by Sides while conducting prescribed burns, identification and control of invasive weeds and other undesired vegetation.
  • Safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
  • Ability to work independently with little 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.
  • Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • Applicants may be required to obtain a private pesticide applicators license and prescribed fire training.
  • Overall, this position will require a hard worker who is not afraid to get their hands dirty and comes to work each day with a can-do attitude and the energy and passion to do whatever it takes to get the job done!
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • The following courses are preferred to have already been completed by applicant:
 
Course TitleCourse Number
Introduction to ICSI-100
Human Factors in Wildland Fire ServiceL-180
Firefighter Training S-130
Introduction to Wildland Fire BehaviorS-190
NIMS: An IntroductionIS-700
 
  • One year of experience conducting prescribed burns and/or timber stand improvement using chainsaws or hack and squirt methods.
  • One year of experience applying herbicides to control undesirable species.
  • One year of experience operating tractors, discs, and planting equipment.
Education and Experience Preferred:  Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  One year of work experience in wildlife management or agricultural related job.  Applicants who possess an associate degree in Forestry or Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience are preferred.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $44,000 (commensurate with experience) with annual performance-based raises, plus benefits include:
  • Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
  • 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
  • Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
  • Vehicle Stipend of up to $300/month for eligible employees.
  • Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
  • Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
  • 13 Paid holidays.
To Apply:  Visit our website at: www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs . ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please include your cover letter, resume and 3 references on our Recruitment website.

Contact:  David Silverberg, South Carolina Prescribed Fire Coordinator [email protected] or (240) 441-6801; or, Jacob McClain, South Carolina State Coordinator [email protected] or (412) 298-0671

Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever 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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