Title: Private Land Conservationist
Requisition Id: 3249
Salary: $50,088.00 - $62,508.00
Salary Grade: S8
Job Location: USDA - New Madrid (NEWMA2)
Closing Date: July 26, 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- Timothy G Kavan at Tim.Kavan@mdc.mo.gov or at 573-290-5730 Ext 4412.
Summary/Objective
To provide superior customer service and support to our internal and external stakeholders with a primary focus of connecting people with nature by assisting landowners and communities to meet their land management and natural resource management goals while enhancing fish, forest, and wildlife conservation.
Essential Job Duties
- Communicate with the District Supervisor and Area Biologist with the development and implementation of programs and policies that promote conservation.
- Administer various cost share programs to assist landowners and communities with funding conservation projects.
- Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and policies and make recommendations for improvement.
- Provide technical advice and assistance to private landowners to help them achieve their conservation goals, including site visits, cost share programs, workshops, etc.
- Build and maintain relationships and work cooperatively with other agencies and conservation partners to ensure comprehensive conservation.
- Perform inspections and on-site visits and answer customer questions via telephone, email and in-person discussion.
- Conduct training sessions and workshops, as required.
- Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders, agencies and partners.
- Inspect equipment for functionality and report needed repairs.
- Supervise and direct the work of applicable staff.
- Monitor spending in alignment with annual budget.
- Participate with statewide, regional, and district wide directives for habitat planning and population monitoring efforts.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Various administrative duties, such as expense reimbursements, monthly reports, etc.
- Organize and/or participate in internal and external regional planning committees and councils.
- Execute special events and irregular programs, as needed.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry or Wildlife Management, Biological Sciences, Criminal Justice, Agriculture or related field.
- At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience.
- Pesticide Applicator License.
- Prescribed Burn Plan Certification.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of applicable software, including ArcMap GIS software and GPS.
- Understanding of conservation plan development and specific cost share programs and their requirements.
- Knowledge of federal and state conservation programs and policies.
- Knowledge of habitat management techniques for all Missouri ecotypes.
- Ability to communicate technical information, both verbally and in writing, to individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds.
- Ability to develop and present programs to individuals and groups.
- Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
- Ability to identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department.
- Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
- Ability to take a long-term view of the Department’s and Division’s direction and articulate a vision which integrates key program goals, priorities, values, and other factors.
- Ability to make timely and effective decisions with available information or knowledge within own span of authority.
Work Environment
- Occasionally work in outdoor weather.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision.
- Regularly lift up to 10 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 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.