Title: Science Section Chief
Requisition Id: 4182
Salary: $90,996.00 - $115,908.00
Salary Grade: S13
Job Location: Commission Headquarters (JEFFE1)
Closing Date: November 25, 2025
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,Sherri W Russell at Sherri.Russell@mdc.mo.gov or at573 5224115x3617, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
Supervise and administer programs and personnel in the assigned Science Branch Section.
Essential Job Duties
- Coordinate long-range planning efforts to guide research program development and decision-making.
- Implement policies and evaluate the accomplishments of Branch goals and objectives to ensure alignment with the Department’s Strategic Plan.
- Recruit and select, monitor performance, recognize achievements and provide appropriate disciplinary actions for staff.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate statewide forest, fish, and wildlife research and management program development.
- Provide guidance on development and implementation of regulations
- Oversee implementation and monitoring of fiscal budgets aligned with Department goals and Branch program objectives.
- Provide guidance on the development of Branch Program Objectives.
- Maintain contact and facilitate collaborations with cooperators (universities, state and federal agencies, NGOs, etc.) for research and monitoring activities.
- Understand and deliver messages regarding budgets, budgeting, and how projects are funded within and outside of cooperative agreements, and other funding opportunities.
- Provide accurate information on species populations and habitat status.
- Understand the basic interactions between aquatic and terrestrial systems and the species populations within these interactions.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Serves on national, statewide or department wide committees as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Master's Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Biological Sciences, GIS, Environmental Science, or other Natural Resources.
- At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience, three (3) years which must have been in a supervisory position over salaried employees and progressive administrative responsibilities.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of science sufficient to direct research in wildlife, forestry, ecology, or fisheries.
- Ability to conceptualize and implement research projects within the framework of structured decision making and/or adaptive resource management.
- Ability to administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Departmennt's mission.
- Ability to be flexible in adapting to changing conditions, organization and emphasis.
- Ability to coach and challenge others to achieve their potential.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem
- Knowledge to develop a strong vision and connection with the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit by developing an integrated fish and wildlife unit capable of meeting MDC and other stakeholder needs.
- Ability to develop and implement effective strategies that are consistent with the Department’s vision and mission.
- Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships throughout the Department and externally with a variety of stakeholders.
- Ability to identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department.
- Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers.
- Ability to maintain a productive, team-oriented atmosphere among peers and subordinates.
- Ability to serve as liaison with universities and colleges and develop a strong professional, collaborative relationship.
- Ability to support and promote technological advances in science and business processes.
- Knowledge of business processes and ability to integrate them into decision making.
- Ability to understand complex resource issues beyond individual training or background and demonstrate the ability to include stakeholders in the process of developing conservation strategies.
- Knowledge to understand concepts and principles of Structured Decision Making and Adaptive Resources Management.
- Knowledge to understand the regulations process and become familiar with Wildlife Code to develop regulation strategies and formulation of specific regulations that may affect various parts of the Code.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a standard office environment.
Physical Abilities
- Remain in a stationary position 70% of the time.
- Ability to move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision and three-dimensional vision.
- Regularly life up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
- 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 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.
Nearest Major Market: Jefferson City
Nearest Secondary Market: Columbia Missouri