Title: Science Specialist
Requisition Id: 3321
Salary: $50,088 - $62,508
Salary Grade: S8
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date: September 20, 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- Stephen E McMurray at Stephen.McMurray@mdc.mo.gov or at 573-815-7900 Ext. 2925. We'd love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
Participate in science-based programs and research to maintain the health and prosperity of aquatic and terrestrial mollusk populations and habitats.
Essential Job Duties
- Assists Scientists with study design and coordinates and leads as needed all aspects of data collection, serves as primary point of contact for research projects under their direction, leads data entry and management, and reports project status and results in a variety of formats. Independently implements research projects to further conservation and management of Missouri's freshwater mollusk and other macroinvertebrate fauna.
- Provides field and technical support for projects in other programs as needed. Participates in agency priorities and assists MDC staff and other partners with priority information needs, field sampling, technical expertise, and assists MDC staff with trainings.
- Serves as state recovery lead for assigned rare mollusk species; leads and provides support to internal and external staff working on rare mollusk and other macroinvertebrate species conservation and recovery; leads status assessments of assigned species and participate and assist with assessments for other species; participate in meetings, calls, and field work as part of National Recovery teams.
- Assists with recruitment, hiring, and supervision of hourly staff. Coordinates and trains hourly staff in the identification of mollusks and other macroinvertebrates and sampling methods; collection of habitat and water quality data; genetic sample acquisition; canoe, boat, and vehicle operation and safety; and gear maintenance.
- Leads management of Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area Research Pond Complex for research and outreach activities in consultation with supervisor.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Participate on project teams for other research projects and other Work Groups.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related.
- 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.
- Ability to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
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 become SCUBA certified.
- Ability to operate boats, outboard motors (prop and jet), and commonly used sampling gear for mollusks and other macroinvertebrates, and fishes.
- Knowledge to identify Midwestern mussel and snail species.
- Ability to work irregular hours and weekends with the possibility of extended travel time during seasonal sampling periods.
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
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.