Wildlife Biologist

Requisition Id: 2813 

Salary: $48,528.00 - $60,564.00  

Salary Grade: S8 

Job Location:  Nodaway Valley CA (MAITL1) 

Closing Date: February 23, 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- Sean D Cleary at Sean.Cleary@mdc.mo.gov or at816 2713111x1447.  

Summary/Objective

This position will coordinate and conduct habitat management activities on 13,000 acres of public lands in northwest Missouri. Primary focus will be restoration and maintenance of native grassland and woodland habitats. 

Essential Job Duties

• Coordinate and conduct prescribed fire operations in grassland and woodland dominated landscapes for the benefit of target species such as grassland dependent songbirds and ground nesting game birds such as bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and ring-necked pheasants.
• Conduct habitat appraisals and evaluations and make improvement recommendations.
• Respond to wildlife management issues, questions, and concerns.
• Provide technical assistance to landowners and other land managers.
• Prepare funding proposals for habitat work.
• Monitor wildlife populations and habitat use on conservation areas.
• Develop and administer public land contracts for woody cover control, herbicide application, area maintenance activities, crop production, etc. 
• Host and participate in training classes, workshops, field trips, and special events.
• Participate in budgeting and forecasting activities and monitor spending compliance.
• Assist with agency wide directives for habitat planning and population monitoring.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Serve on internal and external regular and special committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Forestry, Agriculture, or related.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in Wildlife, Forestry or Fisheries work.
• Wildlife Biologist certification, preferred
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and ability to implement grassland and woodland habitat management techniques to benefit target wildlife species.
• Knowledge and ability to manage and control invasive and undesirable plant species in grasslands and woodlands.
• Ability to work with a diverse team of personnel to accomplish priority objectives.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of job situations involving long hours, hazardous conditions and difficult circumstances.
• Ability to operate ½-ton truck and burning equipment.
• Ability to conduct special conservation programs to special interest groups and the general public.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight.
• Ability to work varying hours and shifts.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Occasionally perform outdoors where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

Physical Abilities

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision and three-dimensional vision.
• Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• 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