Title: Science Assistant - Black Bear Program Assistant (Hourly)
Requisition Id: 4069
Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45
Hourly Pay Grade: H6
Expected Work Schedule:
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date:
Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, practices responsible stewardship, and believes in One MDC.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, Nathaniel R Bowersock, at Nathaniel.Bowersock@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157901x2903, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking a highly motivated and competent individual to work under the direction of the state black bear/furbearer biologist. The applicant must have a sincere interest in furbearers and black bears, be physically fit, and highly organized. Work duties will be comprised of approximately 50% field work and 50% office work and will routinely require over-night travel. The candidate will be required to work irregular hours, conduct fieldwork over rugged terrain in adverse conditions, and carry up to 50lbs of gear.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist with black bear field research projects, data collection, data entry, and summary reports
- Assist with bear trapping operations and conduct ground/aerial telemetry tracking of collared bears
- Maintain and inventory all field equipment for black bear program
- Respond to public inquiries, including black bear sighting emails and phone calls
- Conduct public presentations, staff outreach events, assist with black bear trainings as needed
- Perform additionally assigned duties associated with black bear or furbearer management
- Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related field.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
- Experience using VHF radio telemetry equipment
- Experience setting live traps for wildlife
- Experience with handling chemically immobilized wildlife
- Experience driving 4x4 vehicles (trucks) on paved and unpaved surfaces
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.
- Ability to work irregular hours and weekends with the possibility of extended travel time during seasonal sampling periods.
- Ability to operate tools and equipment for building and land management.
- Ability to use office equipment, such as computer, calculator, camera, scanner and printer
- Basic plant identification and wildlife habitat knowledge.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to operate large trucks
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 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