Range Management /Wildlife Biology Prescribed Fire Specialist, Kansas Forest Service; Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources; Kansas State University

Kansas State University is looking to fill a full-time, term appointment position with the Kansas Forest Service, subject to availability of grant funds. Under the programmatic supervision of the Fire Prevention Forester, the incumbent will be responsible for developing prescribed burn plans for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and other range lands in support of the State’s interest in protecting, enhancing and expanding the Lesser Prairie Chicken habitat.

Kansas Forest Service/ Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources, Kansas State University

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Office; Scott City, Kansas

Deadline: 2011/10/24

Essential Job Functions: identify and assess both the current and potential Lesser Prairie Chicken habitat range (including breeding grounds and coexisting ecological features in need of conservation), and collaborate with local biologists to conserve this habitat through prescribed fire; inform and contact organized grazing groups, land owners, managers, state and local conservationists, and fire districts within the Lesser Prairie Chicken range for planning and burning assistance; organize and assist in Lesser Prairie Chicken workshops, training opportunities, and tours to promote habitat improvement through prescribed burning and other planning opportunities; establish a waiting list of customers for cost-share funding opportunities in programs; assist CRP subscribers in meeting management and maintenance requirements through prescribed fire and other appropriate means; and provide quarterly activity reports, culminating in a final report within 90 days of the project's close.

The position calls for close cooperative work with a wide range of departments and programs, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation; the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; The Nature Conservancy; Conservation Reserve Program; and The Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition; as well as local landowners, managers, businesses, conservation groups, and fire districts.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. BS or MS in Rangeland Management or Wildlife Biology

2. the ability to conduct a full service Range Management / Wildlife Biology program under limited supervision

3. strong work ethic in both individual and team settings

4. strong written and oral communication skills

5. the ability to perform physical work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

6. a valid Kansas driver’s license (may be obtained upon employment)

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Course work or experience in prescribed range/grassland fire planning and implementation

2. Training, education and experience in closely related natural resource disciplines such as Forestry or Agronomy

Salary: Commensurate with training and experience with a minimum of $35,000 per annum.

Benefits: retirement plan, group health and life insurance plans, worker’s compensation, vacation, sick leave, etc.

Application: All applicants must submit a letter of application, current resume, academic transcripts, and the name, address and phone number of three professional references to: 

Application review will begin October 24, 2011 and continue until position is filled.

For more information, visit: http://www.kansasforests.org