Assistant Natural History Biologist

~ The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) manages nearly one million Missouri acres for conservation and public use. ~

Our mission is to protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state; to facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. 

Position Overview

The Assistant Natural History Biologist will support the Wildlife Division’s Species and Habitat Unit including the Wildlife Management and Assistance Program, Wildlife Diversity Program, and Habitat Systems Program. This position will work as part of a team with the Wildlife Management Coordinator, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, and Habitat Management Coordinator to support ongoing development and implementation of their respective programs.

Responsibilities

• Continue to develop and implement a Bear Aware campaign for the Department.
• Develop educational materials for the public, communities, local law enforcement, and Department staff.
• Work with Outreach and Education staff to develop outreach materials.
• Respond to media requests related to Bear Aware campaign.
• Work with the Wildlife Management Coordinator to implement Statewide Strategic Feral Hog Elimination Plan.
• Create maps and other materials to share information and track success of elimination efforts.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets to track program accomplishments, schedule helicopter operations, and handle other logistics associated with feral hog elimination efforts.
• Assist with coordination of meetings.
• Work with the Habitat Management Coordinator to write, develop, and implement the Missouri Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (CCS).
• Assist the Habitat Management Coordinator with coordination of the Department’s invasive species program.
• With the State Ornithologist, provide support for the Great Missouri Birding Trail and other avian monitoring and outreach programs.
• Provide basic technical support for the Great Missouri Birding Trail website (WordPress), identify and write short features for the website, and update online content as needed.
• Provide Birding Trail and general avian outreach to MDC staff, partners, and the general public, as needed, including email and verbal correspondence.
• Work with the State Ornithologist to brainstorm and coordinate outreach efforts to engage more birders, especially youth.
• Assist Grassland Coordinator, Natural Community Ecologist, Small Game Coordinator, and Elk Program Manager as needed.
• Provide scientific support.
• Assist with data entry, compilation and organization of large quantities of data, and data analysis using Excel.
• Assist with GIS mapping and analyses.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize results.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for planning team meetings, workshops, staff trainings, conferences and events.
• Handle meeting and lodging reservations, catering and other logistics.
• Attend meetings, workshops, conferences and events to provide on-site logistical and administrative support.
• Record detailed meeting notes and distribute to attendees.
• Assist with preparing, printing and assembling meeting materials and supplying necessary equipment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology, Conservation Biology or applicable field of study or equivalent related education and experience.
• Duties require the applicant to have a working knowledge of Missouri’s habitats and wildlife, understanding of ecology and natural systems; excellent verbal and written communication and coordination skills; team work, and project management/leadership experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to use ArcMap, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software tools are necessary.
• Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

Disclaimer: Extension beyond June 15, 2019, is conditional upon budgetary constraints and approval of the Department’s FY20 budget, continued availability of funds, and employee performance.

Compensation: $12.58 per hour. Up to 40 hours per week.