Title: Big Rivers Scientist
Requisition Id: 3443
Salary: $56,304.00 - $70,272.00
Salary Grade: S9
Job Location: Chillicothe Res Sci (CHILL4)
Closing Date: December 3, 2024
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 the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor- Kasey W Whiteman at Kasey.Whiteman@mdc.mo.gov or at816 2713111x1426. We'd love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
Provide science-based programs to maintain the health & prosperity of Missouri River aquatic species.
Essential Job Duties
- Conduct research on Missouri River fish communities by collecting information, processing samples, analyzing data, and providing this information to stakeholders in written and oral forms.
- Lead field staff in data collection for externally funded Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Program.
- Serve as MDC's pallid sturgeon recovery lead.
- Develop, administer, coordinate, and implement policies, surveys, protocols and projects.
- Maintain the accuracy and availability to information in various databases.
- Test, evaluate and implement new or existing sampling gear to assess biological and physical changes to aquatic environments.
- Create various technical and non-technical presentations and publications for scientific journals, papers, posters, pamphlets, websites, and popular articles.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
- Prepare cooperative agreements, grant proposals, and budgets and monitor compliance.
- Participate in project reviews and on project review teams for other research projects.
- Provide scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
- Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Chair internal working groups.
- Participate in statewide department priorities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related.
- At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to accurately identify stream fishes using taxonomic keys and other aids.
- Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, land maintenance equipment, power tools and large trucks pulling trailers.
- Ability to safely apply electricity to water to stun and collect fish.
- Ability to travel and work varying shifts, as required.
- Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, phone system, fax, scanner, and computer.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience with fishery science and wildlife management.
- Familiarity with GPS and GIS equipment.
Work Environment
- Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities
- Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Regularly operate tools and other machinery and relocate machinery to other areas.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
- Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
- Concentrated attention is required at all times.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.
Exemption Status/Special Notes
This position has been determined to be Exempt 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.