Coverage: Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA, Moro Big Pine Natural Area WMA, Casey Jones WMA, Warren Prairie Natural Area WMA, Longview-Saline Natural Area WMA, Little Bayou WMA, and Cut-Off Creek WMA

Counties: Ashley, Union, Calhoun, Bradley, Drew; Offices: Monticello AGFC Regional Office, 771 Jordan Dr, Monticello, AR 71655 OR Camden AGFC Regional Office, 500 Ben Lane, Camden, AR 71701

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 conduct habitat management work and other custodial duties on cooperatively-managed Wildlife Management Areas. Quail Forever’s Wildlife Management Technician is 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 incumbent will be expected to live within reasonable driving distance to their home office. The Quail Forever Wildlife Management Technician will be expected to work with all AGFC 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:

• Works in inclement weather under heavy physical demands. Works outside of normal work hours to complete AGFC division and regional assignments.
• Inspects forests and woodlands for damage by insects or disease, assists in implementing plans or recommendations for control measures, and prepares plans for site preparation or improvement of wildlife habitat planting, harvesting, marketing, or wildlife use.
• 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.     
• Conducts or assists in conducting research on collected samples, such as, blood, water, soil, and plant species, and examines animals and specimens to detect diseases or other problems.
• Conducts agricultural and forest management activities on wildlife management areas, including preparing seed beds and planting food sources.
• Gathers, provides, and presents general educational information and training on upland wildlife habitat management to various federal, state, local health officers, community organizations, and the general public.
• Assists in conducting various research projects such as CWD, heard health check, spring and fall quail surveys, spring breeding bird surveys, wood duck/dove banding, native vegetation surveys, and pollinator monitoring.
• Prepares reports pertaining to wildlife findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Cleans, maintains, prepares, and supplies work areas.
• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work daily with diverse partners
• Ability to complete a two-mile walk carrying 25 pounds in 30 minutes
• Ability to obtain a Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License
• Ability to obtain a commercial driver’s license
• Computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Basic knowledge of wildlife management and habitat restoration techniques including prescribed burning, plant and animal invasive species control, wildlife habitat plantings, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
• Ability to operate and maintain tractors, dozers, farm implements, chainsaws, weedeaters, ATVs
• Basic knowledge of maps, surveying, map reading, and GPS usage.
• Ability to speak to hunters, various interest groups, and the general public

Training and Experience Guideline: 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 a wildlife management or agricultural related job.  Applicants who possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience is preferred.

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.