1. Gene Rush WMA, Bearcat Hollow WMA, Loafers Glory WMA, and Piney Creeks WMA
Counties: Newton, Marion, Conway, Johnson, Pope, Searcy, Van Buren; Office: Jasper/Gene Rush AGFC Work Center, Coordinates: 35.9738, -92.9830 (will be flexible)

Application Deadline:  Open Until Filled
Anticipated Start Date:  February 2025

Overview: This position is a result of a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever (PF/QF). Under the daily direction of AGFC and monthly communication with QF’s State Coordinator, the incumbent will lead and conduct habitat management work on cooperatively-managed Wildlife Management Areas. Quail Forever’s Wildlife Management Biologists are expected to perform a variety of tasks prioritizing upland wildlife habitat management objectives for quail and other wildlife. Additional wildlife management tasks pertaining to all species and habitats on the respective WMAs will also be a component of this position. This position is a full-time employee of Pheasants Forever Inc., and Quail Forever. This position will be located in an AGFC WMA Office, and the incumbent will be expected to live within reasonable driving distance to their home office. Quail Forever Wildlife Management Biologists are expected to work with all AGFC, USFS, and Quail Forever Staff within their counties and will reflect QF’s mission on Public Lands in Arkansas. The right employee in this position will display a high-level of initiative and commitment towards completing projects with quality and efficiency.

Duties:

• Performs general wildlife management area duties including: Assessing and maintaining early successional habitats, plant and animal invasive species control, wildlife habitat plantings, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
• Participates in developing wildlife management area recommendations and the development of short- and long-term habitat management plans.
• Implement habitat recommendations from program coordinators, habitat biologists, and other staff and agency partners.
• Serves as a member of AGFC’s prescribed burn program within the wildlife management region and assists with the implementation of prescribed burns. Coordinates with burn bosses regarding prescribed fire plans on WMAs. The incumbent will conduct fire-lane maintenance.  Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions.     
• Wildlife surveys and monitoring including: surveys for quail, white-tail deer observation, chronic wasting disease, Eastern wild turkey surveys, feral hog detection and removal, biological data station operation, vegetation and pollinator surveys, etc.    
• Must understand and be willing to function in a multi-faceted, team-oriented work environment. Must maintain close individual contact with and develop solid working relationships with Wildlife Management Division staff and partner organization personnel.
• Submits written and oral reports describing wildlife management activities and completed monthly reporting requirements into Quail Forever’s CRM Dynamics reporting program. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Special Job Dimensions:

Frequent in-state travel and routine field work is required. Frequent interaction with hunters and other outdoor recreationists and exposure to live animals. Heavy physical demands in inclement weather are required. Regular operation of heavy equipment and handling of chemicals that may be dangerous if handled improperly. Specific physical fitness demands for prescribed burning are required. Some overnight travel may be required.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles of biology, ecology, and related environmental sciences. Knowledge of wildlife management principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory and field survey equipment, techniques, and procedures. Ability to plan and organize.
• Ability to make public presentations.
• Ability to develop and implement wildlife research, monitoring or management projects.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to complete a two-mile walk carrying 25 pounds in 30 minutes
• Ability to obtain a Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License
• Work with minimal supervision; demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Able to work alone or as part of a team, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
• Exhibit honesty and integrity. Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing projects efficiently. 

Training and Experience Guideline: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field is required, preferably with one year of experience in the field. The right candidates will possess a combination of training and/or experience that will enable them to meet the required knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above.

Vehicle Provided: Quail Forever will lease a company pickup funded through the position agreement with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. QF employees are required to comply with PF/QF’s Driving Record Verification process, adhere to PF/QF’s Operating Motor Vehicle Policy, and day to day vehicle use will be aligned with AGFC’s staff vehicle policy.