Science Branch Chief

Requisition Id: 3351 

Salary: $109,332 - $142,008

Salary Grade: S15 

Job Location:  Commission Headquarters (JEFFE1) 

Closing Date: July 31, 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- Laura I Conlee at Laura.Conlee@mdc.mo.gov or at573 5224115x3118.  We'd love to hear from you! 

Summary/Objective

The role of the Resource Science Branch Chief is to provide counsel, strategic direction, and vision to the Resource Science Branch.

Essential Job Duties

• Oversee implementation of Department policies and procedures within the Branch and ensure compliance with such policies. 
• Collaborate to ensure that scientific information is considered in administrative, policy, and habitat management.
• Monitor research to conserve the diversity of fish, forest, and wildlife.
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans for issues and initiatives.
• Approve and oversee the implementation and monitoring of fiscal budgets and departmental goals and objectives.
• Recruit and select, monitor performance, recognize achievements and provide appropriate disciplinary actions for staff.

Ancillary Job Duties

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

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry or Wildlife Management, Biological Sciences, or related.
• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience, three (3) years which must have been in a supervisory and/or administrative capacity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of science sufficient to direct research in wildlife, forestry, ecology, or fisheries.
• Ability to conceptualize and implement research projects within the framework of structured decision making and/or adaptive resource management.
• Ability to administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Department’s mission.
• Ability to be flexible in adapting to changing conditions, organization and emphasis.
• Ability to coach and challenge others to achieve their potential.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
• Knowledge to develop a strong vision and connection with the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit by developing an integrated fish and wildlife unit capable of meeting MDC and other stakeholder needs.
• Ability to develop and implement effective strategies that are consistent with the Department’s vision and mission.
• Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships throughout the Department and externally with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department.
• Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers.
• Ability to maintain a productive, team-oriented atmosphere among peers and subordinates.
• Ability to serve as liaison with universities and colleges and develop a strong professional, collaborative relationship.
• Ability to support and promote technological advances in science and business processes.
• Knowledge of business processes and ability to integrate them into decision making.
• Knowledge to understand complex resource issues beyond individual training or background and demonstrate the ability to include stakeholders in the process of developing conservation strategies.
• Knowledge to understand concepts and principles of Structured Decision Making and Adaptive Resources Management.
• Knowledge to understand the regulations process and become familiar with Wildlife Code to develop regulation strategies and formulation of specific regulations that may affect various parts of the Code.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Physical Abilities

• Remain in a stationary position 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently co