Title: Science Assistant - Resource Assessment and Monitoring Program Statewide Crew Leader (Hourly)
Requisition Id: 4364
Salary: $20.08 - $24.54
Salary Grade: H6
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date: February 28, 2026
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,Brittany L Harried at Brittany.Harried@mdc.mo.gov or at573 8157900x2973, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
Applications are being accepted to fill up to two temporary positions in Columbia, Missouri. Person will be a crew leader for the statewide Resource Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) Program sampling effort. Responsibilities will include leading a three-person team to conduct fish collection and identification, assess and record water quality and stream habitat data, maintain sampling equipment, enter data in a computerized database, and perform other duties as required. This position is expected to start April 16th, 2026. Applicants should be able to work 40 hours per week, travel overnight, and positively lead a team while peforming physically demanding work outdoors where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist on research, monitoring and survey project on stream habitats by sampling species, collecting information, processing samples, entering data in spreadsheets, or other data management devices.
- Maintain the accuracy and availability to information in various databases.
- Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
- Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
- Correspond with landowners and members of the public via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
- Most duties are field work focused, although a few may be lab focused.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- One or more years of field season experience with fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, taxonomic identification and laboratory processing of samples is highly desirable.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work independently and make decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
- Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, and commonly used sampling gear for fishes and macroinvertebrates.
- Ability to operate commonly used sampling gear for fishes and macroinvertebrates.
- Knowledge to identify Missouri fish species.
- Ability to engage in vigorous physical activity for extended periods of time in extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to travel and stay overnight several times per week.
- Ability to swim.
- Ability to accurately record data.
- Ability to traverse rough terrain.
- Ability to lift heavy equipment (<75 lbs.) correctly and safely.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and with team members, landowners, and the public.
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
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- 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.
- Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision and precise hand-eye coordination.
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