Senior Habitat Specialist (Crew Lead)
Quick answer
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is hiring a permanent, in-office Senior Habitat Specialist in Springfield, IL, paying $55,000-$75,000 to lead a field crew in wildlife and pollinator habitat restoration.
- Role
- Senior Habitat Specialist (Crew Lead)
- Organization
- Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever
- Location
- Springfield Area, Illinois
- Work setup
- On-site
- Level
- Mid
- Compensation
- $55,000 - $75,000 per year
- Category
- Programs & Operations
- Apply by
- 2026-07-05
The role
Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever are seeking a Senior Habitat Specialist to act as a Crew Lead in Central Illinois. The role involves working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation to enhance wildlife and pollinator habitats through activities such as prescribed burning, invasive species control, and native plant establishment. You will lead a four-person crew, coordinate project schedules, and provide technical assistance to partners. This position requires hands-on field leadership and the ability to manage complex habitat restoration projects.
What you'll do
- Lead a four-person habitat specialist crew in daily field activities.
- Execute habitat management tasks including prescribed burns, herbicide application, and native species establishment.
- Coordinate project prioritization, scheduling, and procurement of supplies.
- Serve as a burn boss for prescribed fires and ensure safety compliance.
- Manage grant reporting and accurately document habitat management activities using GIS.
What it takes
- Bachelor's degree in ecology, forestry, wildlife management, or related field preferred.
- Minimum one year of experience in upland habitat management and prescribed burning.
- Valid driver's license and ability to pass an arduous pack test annually.
- Ability to obtain an Illinois Right-of-Way (ROW) pesticide applicator license within 6 months.
- Experience in fireline leadership and burn plan writing.
What you'll bring
How we treat you
Commensurate with experience; details available at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs
Frequently asked questions
Where is this job located and what is the work setting?
This position is based in the Springfield area of Illinois and involves extensive field work in IDOT Districts 5 and 6.
What is the compensation for this role?
The position pays between $55,000 and $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and includes a full benefits package.
What are the key qualifications for this crew lead position?
Candidates should have experience in habitat management, prescribed burning, and equipment operation, along with a degree in a relevant natural resources field.
How and by when should I apply?
Interested candidates should combine a cover letter, resume, and 3 references into a single document and apply via the recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs by July 5, 2026.
How to apply
Apply directly on Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever's official posting before applying.