Habitat Management Coordinator

~ Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. ~

During our first 40 years, hunting, fishing and trapping permits provided most of our funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the "Design for Conservation," was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency.

That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state's wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities-well into the future.

Position Overview

The Missouri Department of Conservation seeks a Habitat Management Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Leadership of Habitat Management Program:

• Provide leadership and coordination for the Habitat Management Program.
• Provide leadership and coordination for the Habitat Management Program o facilitate management of a network of habitats in the state to protect all forest, fish, and wildlife species that exist in the state, whether migratory or resident, within the framework of the Comprehensive Conservation Strategy.
• Serve as the Department's applied landscape ecologist.
• Provide program coordination among staff within each of the Department's Resource Divisions and conservation partners to identify clear measureable goals within priority geographies, development of protocols for evaluating success and report progress to stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Assist staff managing public lands and working with private landowners to address habitat needs with the latest science and landscape ecology information.
• Coordinate with Wildlife Diversity and Wildlife Management and Assistance Programs to ensure these programs are complementary.
• Coordinate with field leaders for each habitat system to provide expertise and guidance to staff in managing and rebuilding these habitats.
• Supervise the Natural Areas Coordinator and Grasslands Ecologist.

Provide Strategic Guidance:

• In close coordination with the Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, lead Department staff and partners to implement and adapt the Comprehensive Conservation Strategy to identify and implement mutual goals relating to habitat and landscape ecology to develop a network of healthy lands and waters to support forest, fish and wildlife resources long-term.
• Provide landscape ecology expertise to the Comprehensive Conservation Strategy.
• Assist Wildlife Division in compiling accomplishments related to habitat conservation and in defining and tracking division and department vision and stretch goals related to habitat management and restoration.
• Lead the Habitat Management Program to provide training and leadership in landscape ecology and the development of tools to assess landscape patterns and priorities.
• In coordination with the Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, Wildlife Administrative Manager and Federal Aid staff, and manage the State Wildlife Action Plan and State Wildlife Grants and associated reports required.

Invasive Species Coordination:

• Provide leadership to develop and implement a strategic approach for the Department and partners to address the threats posed by terrestrial invasive species, including identifying which species should be targeted and priority geographies in which invasive species should be more aggressively controlled.
• Coordinate with Fisheries Division to chair the internal Invasive Species Advisory Council, which will provide leadership and recommendations to divisions on implementing a strategic approach to control efforts and addressing new threats.
• Work with GrowNative!, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, landscape architects and other partners on progressive strategies to prevent and control invasive species.
• Coordinate with field leaders for priority invasive species to provide expertise and leadership in prevention and control of these species.
• Coordinate with Fisheries Division on the Aquatic Nuisance Species Grant and control of aquatic invasive species.

Outreach:

• Provide leadership to and coordinate with appropriate staff to promote appreciation of Missouri's habitats and the Comprehensive Conservation Strategy through outreach efforts that familiarize Missouri citizens with Missouri's fish and wildlife habitats and the varied opportunities they have to enjoy them.
• Promote management efforts and successes in restoring Missouri's habitat systems.
• Summarize and publicize habitat management and restoration.
• Inform the public about invasive species threats and control accomplishments.
• Promote opportunities to build an understanding of and appreciation for Missouri's habitats.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Landscape Ecology or closely related subjects, at least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in wildlife management or closely related natural resource field.
• At least 1 year of supervisory work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Approval as Certified Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society is desired.
• Experience with GIS preferred.

Core Competencies and Special Ability Requirements:

• Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks for self and others to deliver quality products, assuring effective controls are developed so Department integrity is maintained.
• Develop new insights into situations and apply innovative solutions that make improvements.
• Keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers.
• Make timely and effective decisions with available information or knowledge within own span of authority.
• Administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Department's mission.
• Accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.
• Persuade others to buy into a course of action.
• Coach and challenge others to achieve their potential.
• Recognize the impact of one's behavior on others.
• Establish comprehensive and realistic plans of action to accomplish activities and evaluate progress.
• Identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department.
• Define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
• Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
• 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.
• Administer human resources management principles in a manner which instills public and employee trust, maximizes employee potential, and fosters high ethical standards in meeting the Department's mission.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Coordinate management activities to achieve Division and Department goals.
• Make independent decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of all types of groups, Department staff and the general public.
• Exercise judgment and initiative in interpreting Department and Division policies and procedures.
• Perform as an effective team member.
• Resolve conflicts and work effectively with others.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing with Department personnel and the general public.
• Develop and present programs to individuals and groups.
• Travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
• Work evenings, weekends, and on holidays as needed or assigned.
• Traverse rough terrain and work outdoors in extreme hot and cold conditions.

Additional Information

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 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 employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.
• Candidates seeking initial 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.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now!" to follow the application instructions provided on our website.