Title:  Naturalist-Bat Mist Netting Lead

Summary/Objective

The Missouri Department of Conservation has openings for one full-time seasonal naturalist to lead bat mist netting surveys May 1, 2025, through August 31st, 2025. Surveys will support the implementation of the Bat Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and will target northern long-eared bats, Indiana bats, tricolored bats, and little brown bats.

Essential Job Duties

• Work as part of a team to conduct summer mist netting for bat species covered by the MDC Bat Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
• Lead bat mist netting and/or harp trapping surveys targeting northern long-eared bats, Indiana bats, tricolored bats, little brown bats, and gray bats.
• Assist with radio telemetry and acoustic surveys as needed
• Operate 4WD vehicle with trailer, and ATVs or UTVs, on field roads and rugged terrain.
• Navigate to netting sites using GPS units and maps.
• Travel to MDC Conservation Areas across Missouri, for multiple days per week. Lodging and food will be provided when traveling.
• Inventory and maintain supplies and equipment
• Maintain detailed survey records.
• Compile, organize, and analyze survey data, including geospatial data, and assist with preparing reports.
• Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
• Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
• Carry 50+ lbs of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to ¼ mile).
• Work outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions (e.g., hot temperatures, high humidity, exposure to mosquitos and ticks, overnight hours).

• Other duties as assigned.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field preferred or Undergraduate students with at least a junior status.
• Federal United States Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit for northern long-eared bats, gray bats, and Indiana bats OR equivalent experience to be able to obtain permit (please include handling resume as part of regular resume).
• Current rabies titer check within the past year (please send in rabies titer check when submitting resume).
• Experience with radio transmitters on bats, as well as conducting radio telemetry.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ecology and natural systems
• Skill in verbal and written communication and coordination.
• Ability to work in teams and manage projects.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner and computer.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ArcGIS Pro, and other software tools
• Ability to travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently during the summer.
• Ability to work outdoors overnight.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours.
• Ability to operate ATVs and UTVs. 
• Ability to drive trucks towing ATV/UTV trailers on field roads.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willingness and ability to travel overnight throughout Missouri
• Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility
• Ability to analyze relevant information and solve problems
• Ability to maintain focus and a positive attitude under adversity
• Demonstration of a safety-orientated mindset
• Ability to communicate well with team members, collaborators, and supervisors
• Must maintain a current valid driver’s license.

Work Environment

• Some work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Some work is performed outdoors in rugged environments, in hot and humid conditions, including during the day, evening and overnight hours.

Physical Abilities

• Move about on the grounds, both inside and outside of buildings
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery to other areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Ability to carry 50+ lbs of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to 1/4 mile).
• Regularly lift up to 25 lbs, correctly lift up to 50 lbs.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision – ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• 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.