Wildlife Health Technician

Title: Resource Science Assistant

• Salary: $18.85 – $23.04
• Salary Grade: H6
• Duration:
  August 1st, 2024 – March 31st, 2025
• Job Location:
  • Northwest Region (1 position): Chillicothe, MO 64601
  • Ozark Region (1 position): West Plains, MO 65775, Other ;
  • Northeast Region (1 position): Kirksville, MO 63501
  • Southeast Region (1 position): Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Perryville MO 63775, Other;
  • Southwest Region (1 position): Springfield, MO 65803, Other;
• 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- Maria C Anderson at Maria.Anderson@mdc.mo.gov or at 573 8157900×2898.
• To Apply: Go to jobs.mdc.mo.gov and click “View All Hourly Jobs.” You will need to create an account with the department in order to apply. Applicants will only be accepted via the department account.

Summary/Objective

• The Wildlife Health Technician supports the Wildlife Health Program, coordinating logistics for statewide Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling, general sick and dead wildlife response, and other wildlife health surveillance projects as needed. A majority of this position will be facilitating the transportation of equipment and samples.

Essential Job Duties

• Be willing and able to drive as needed for sample and equipment transport. Driving time can average at least 20-30 hours a week from November 2024 – March 2025.
• Coordinate logistics for statewide CWD sampling efforts by providing guidance and training to staff and non-agency partners (taxidermists and meat processors), preparing and distributing sampling kits, and receiving and processing samples from hunter-harvested, sick, and agency culled cervids.
• Coordinate logistics of statewide sick and dead wildlife response, provide guidance to statewide staff, and direct specimen collection and submission.
• Organize submission of biologic samples by coordinating with the department necropsy laboratory, preparing shipments, and receiving and reporting results.
• Enter, correct, summarize, and analyze wildlife health data.
• Represent the department in a professional manner at all times, especially during encounters with the public.
• Communicate directly with supervisor on all reports and external communication requests.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.
• Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, biology, or related field.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude under adversity.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
• Demonstrate a safety-orientated mindset.
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently..

Work Environment

• Occasionally work in outdoor weather environments (cold/hot/humid/wet).
• Occasional travel and/or overnight may be required.
• Work involves solitary travel to businesses and residences, some of which are in remote locations, for collection of samples and specimens
• Work is regularly performed in both a standard office environment, in a vehicle, in a garage bay, and in a necropsy/laboratory type setting

Physical Abilities

• Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
• Concentrated attention is required at all times.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office machinery.

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 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.