Title: Naturalist Intern
Requisition Id: 3639
Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45
Hourly Pay Grade: H6
Expected Work Schedule:
Job Location: Duck Creek CA (PUXIC1)
Closing Date: January 31, 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 this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, Sally S Hancock , at Sally.Hancock@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 2223337x3337 , Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.
Summary/Objective
At the undergraduate level the emphasis is on recruitment, career exploration, and introducing top performing students to MDC. Pursuing a degree in education, outdoor recreation, natural resources, public engagement, or a related field.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist with the development and presentation of scheduled programs, outdoor skills clinics, and special events on, and off, site. Special focus on Tier 1 and Tier 2 communities of the region.
- Attend and complete certification in BAI, HED, DNS, DNF trainings in order to offer programs based in nature education/conservation, fishing, and archery programs in targeted Tier 1 and Tier 2 Communities.
- Set-up and maintain a learning station offering an educational/nature art hands-on activity and interacting with visitors when hosting programs at off-site locations. (Mingo, Poplar Bluff Library, or any other Tier 1 or Tier 2 location)
- Help with the research, preparation, and staffing of a weekly program for kids 3-5, 6-9, 10-12, or of a multi-generational nature.
- Assist with feeding and care of education animals.
- Answering phones, as needed, providing quality customer service and answering questions about the area and its natural history.
- Help with general maintenance of education and program supplies. (Maintain and inventory discovery trunks, help to maintain loaner fishing poles and tackle, etc.).
- Assist with preparation and execution of any large-scale regional events (kids/family fishing clinics, preparations for fairs and events, etc).
- Propose, initiate, and complete an approved project (project scope will be decided between the Naturalist Intern and the Conservation Educator based upon the needs of the region, as well as the skills and interests of the intern).
- Work at least three days with other branch professionals (including other regions) to gain a better understanding of how the various disciplines fit together in managing and protecting Missouri’s natural resources. Choose from Fisheries, Forestry, Private Lands, Wildlife, or Protection.
- We have special projects in the region like: Wood Duck banding, Goose Round-up, fish sampling and monitoring, land management, etc.
- There are other collaborative efforts with various agencies that could provide insight to how MDC partners with groups and governmental agencies to accomplish our mission.
- Provide a presentation summary of experiences and independent project to an appropriate audience before the last day of employment.
Ancillary Job Duties
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on 4.0 scale is desirable.
- Preference will be given to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours.
- Undergraduate student at an accredited university/college in good standing. Students who will be graduating before the internship begins are not eligible.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
- Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Sit for long periods of time.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
- Ability to keep accurate records of supplies and services.
- Ability to keep detailed and accurate records.
Work Environment
- Work is typically performed in a standard office environment; occasionally required to work in outdoor environments.
- May be exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
- Ability to travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently during the summer.
Physical Abilities
- Ability to bend and twist in use of force situations
- Ability to regularly lift 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.
- Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery.
- Work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays as needed.
- Ability to navigate in a variety of environments including woodlands, steep terrain, wetlands, caves, and uneven terrain
- Clarity of vision and ability to distinguish colors.
Disclaimer
This position has been determined to be non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Interns must agree to accept compensatory time off in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department’s Compensatory Time Off and Overtime policy.
Smoking is prohibited in all owned, rented, or leased Department of Conservation offices, buildings, and similar facilities, in Department aircraft, and in vehicles.
The Department of Conservation will hire only United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new interns will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.
Candidates must submit to a drug screen following offer of internship.
All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.
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: Poplar Bluff