Title: Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology Technician (Hourly)
Requisition Id: 4125
Hourly Pay Rate: $16.58
Hourly Pay Grade: H4
Expected Work Schedule:
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date: August 17, 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, Cheyenne E L Stratton , at Cheyenne.Stratton@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157901 , during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
This position will assist MDC’s Aquatic Invertebrate Program with ongoing research and monitoring of Missouri’s crayfish and other aquatic invertebrates. Primary responsibilities include collecting, managing, and reporting biological data. Work hours during the academic year (August-May) are flexible, with an expected commitment of 10-15 hours per week. Occasional field travel and overnight trips are required, and applicants available for one full day of field work per week will be given preference. To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist with research and monitoring of crayfish and other aquatic invertebrate populations and their habitats through data collection, sample processing, and accurate data entry into data management systems.
- Maintain the accuracy of and availability to information in various databases; prepare summaries and reports as directed.
- Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
- Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment and coordinate purchase of replacement or new equipment when necessary.
- Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
- Duties will include work in the field, laboratory, and office.
- Occasional field trips and overnight travel are required.
Ancillary Job Duties
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Two years of undergraduate education in one of the sciences (e.g., Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, or Biological Sciences).
- For longer-duration aquatic sampling positions, ability to pass an approved boating safety course, and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
- Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, land maintenance equipment, power tools and large trucks pulling trailers.
- Ability to adapt to a variety of job situations often involving long hours, hazardous conditions and difficult circumstances.
- Ability to operate various types of hand tools and perform minor mechanical repairs on vehicles and equipment.
- Ability to establish an effective working relationship with Department employees, Extension Agents, educational professionals, and community leaders.
- Ability to accurately identify crayfish and other aquatic macroinvertebrates using taxonomic keys and other aids.
- Ability to safely sample aquatic macroinvertebrates in multiple habitat types including streams, wetlands, and caves.
- Ability to swim and safely operate personal watercraft (canoes, kayaks) on streams.
- Ability to communicate concisely, both verbal and written.
- Ability to travel and work occasional irregular shift (e.g., early morning, evenings, overnights).
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to use software for data entry and analysis (e.g., Excel, Access, GIS).
Work Environment
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
- Occasionally work in outdoor weather where varying temperatures, and wet or humid conditions are possible.
- Occasionally work in cave environments which involves tight spaces, dark conditions, and wet or slippery surfaces.
Physical Abilities
- Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- 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.
- Ability to alternate between extended periods of desk work and physically demanding fieldwork.
- Ability to move about on varied terrain, including uneven or slippery surfaces.
Disclaimer
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 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: Columbia Missouri