Title: Science Assistant ( Hourly)
Requisition Id: 3441
Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45
Hourly Pay Grade: H6
Expected Work Schedule:
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date: October 1, 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 this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, Katrina K Knott , at Katrina.Knott@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157901x2923 , Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.
Summary/Objective
Position resides in the Environmental Health Program in the Science Branch. The Environmental Health Program's mission is to promote healthy fish, forest, and wildlife by identifying and minimizing pollution and contaminants (Hg, Pb, Se, PCBs, PFAS, and algal toxins) in aquatic and terrestrial habitats statewide using a One Health framework. Surveillance and research conducted by Program staff seek to understand spatio-temporal trends in contamination, improve knowledge of the biotic and abiotic factors contributing to exposure/bioaccumulation, and assesses adverse health outcomes for individuals, populations, and ecosystems. Data may be incorporated into fish consumption advisories, species management plans, and water quality standards, and may inform natural resource damages assessments and restoration decisions.
Essential Job Duties
- Collecting various fish and wildlife species in the field.
- Investigating fish kills and harmful algal blooms.
- Aging of various fish species by otoliths and fin spines.
- Dissection of fish and wildlife for contaminants and associated health biomarkers.
- Lab work may include: basic, special, and immunohistochemical staining; histomorphological assessment; spectrophotometry; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; DNA quality/quantity analyses; and PCR.
- Maintain laboratory supplies and records.
- Maintain chain-of-custody information from the field to the lab (samples collected, inventory, and results).
- Data entry and database management.
- Maintain accuracy of records, sample inventory and contaminants databases (QAQC).
- Collate inventory for analyses of contaminants and related health biomarkers. Analysis, writing, and summarization of data for reports and publications.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related field.
- Alternatively, a Master’s Degree.
- Course work and interest in water quality, animal physiology, ecology, ecotoxicology, fisheries, wildlife and fisheries diseases, chemistry, mathematics, statistics.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
- Ability to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
- Experience summarizing and analyzing datasets and communicating findings, highly desired.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, Power Point, ArcGIS are desired.
- Experience with micro-pipetting, microscopy, dissection, and aging of fish desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
- Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
- Knowledge and application of the scientific method.
- Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
- Ability to work independently and in a group.
- Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Sit for long periods of time.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
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.
- Available for occasional overnight travel and weekend work when needed.
- Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Sit for long periods of time.
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 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