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Title:  Naturalist Intern

Description: 

Requisition Id: 3654 

Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45

Hourly Pay Grade: H6 

Expected Work Schedule:

Job Location:  Cape Girardeau Nat Ctr (CAPEG2) 

Closing Date: January 31, 2025

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC. 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, ​Alexander T Holmes , at Alex.Holmes@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 2905858x4465 , Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.

Summary/Objective

At the undergraduate level the emphasis is on recruitment, career exploration, and introducing top performing students to MDC.  

Essential Job Duties

  1. Assist with the development and presentation of scheduled programs, outdoor skills clinics, and special events on, and off, site.
  2. Staff the exhibit research lab and/or discovery station up to twice a month offering a hands-on activity and interacting with visitors.
  3. Help with the research, preparation, and staffing of a mix naturalist day camp programs for 7-11 year olds, 12-16 year olds, and multi-generational.
  4. Propose, initiate, and complete an approved project (project scope will be decided between the intern naturalist and the nature center assistant manager based upon the needs of the facility and the skills and interests of the intern).
  5. Assist with feeding and care of education animals (reptiles, amphibians, and fish).
  6. Work the front desk as needed providing quality customer service and answering questions about the general area and natural history.
  7. Help with general maintenance of nature center exhibits, program supplies and grounds (maintain the loaner backpacks, work with CEA to maintain fishing poles, work in native plant gardens, fill bird feeders, straighten children’s area, etc.).
  8. Work at least two days with other Resource Management Professionals to gain a better understanding of how the resource management disciplines fit together in managing Missouri’s natural resources.  Choose from Fisheries, Forestry, Private Lands, Wildlife, or Protection.
  9. Provide a presentation summary of experiences and independent project to an appropriate audience before the last day of employment.

Ancillary Job Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

  • Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on 4.0 scale is desirable.
  • Preference will be given to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours.
  • Undergraduate student at an accredited university/college in good standing. Students who will be graduating before the internship begins are not eligible.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
  • Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Sit for long periods of time.
  • Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
  • Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
  • Ability to keep accurate records of supplies and services.
  • Ability to keep detailed and accurate records.

Work Environment

  • Work is typically performed in a standard office environment; occasionally required to work in outdoor environments.
  • May be exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
  • Ability to travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently during the summer.

Physical Abilities

  • Ability to bend and twist in use of force situations
  • Ability to regularly lift 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery.
  • Work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays as needed.
  • Ability to navigate in a variety of environments including woodlands, steep terrain, wetlands, caves, and uneven terrain
  • Clarity of vision and ability to distinguish colors.

Disclaimer

This position has been determined to be non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Interns must agree to accept compensatory time off in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department’s Compensatory Time Off and Overtime policy.

 

Smoking is prohibited in all owned, rented, or leased Department of Conservation offices, buildings, and similar facilities, in Department aircraft, and in vehicles.

 

The Department of Conservation will hire only United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.  All new interns will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

 

Candidates must submit to a drug screen following offer of internship.

 

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy. 

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed. 

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.  All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.


Nearest Major Market: Cape Girardeau

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