Bat and Cave Science Assistant (Hourly)

Requisition Id: 3942 

Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45

Hourly Pay Grade: H6 

Expected Work Schedule: 

Job Location:  Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2) 

Closing Date: 

 

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, practices responsible stewardship, and believes in One MDC. 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, ​Shelly N Colatskie, at Shelly.Colatskie@mdc.mo.gov or call  573 5224115x3282, during regular business hours.  We would love to hear from you!

 

Summary/Objective

The Missouri Department of Conservation has an opening for one full-time science assistant to assist with bat surveys (mist netting, harp trapping, hibernacula surveys) and subterranean (cave and mine) bio-surveys. Currently for this position, we have funding through the end of June 2026.

Essential Job Duties

• Work as part of a team to conduct mist netting and harp trapping for bats.
• Conduct underground bio-inventory surveys in caves and mines, especially for hibernating bat populations. 
• Assist with mist netting and/or harp trapping surveys targeting all bat species known to Missouri, including but not limited to northern long-eared bats, Indiana bats, tricolored bats, little brown bats, eastern small-footed bats, and gray bats.
• Assist with radio telemetry and acoustic surveys as needed
• Operate 4WD vehicle with trailer, and ATVs or UTVs, on field roads and rugged terrain.
• Navigate to netting sites using GPS units and maps.
• Travel to areas across Missouri, for multiple days per week. Lodging and food will be provided when traveling.
• Inventory and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Maintain detailed survey records.
• Compile, organize, and analyze survey data, including geospatial data, and assist with preparing reports.
• Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
• Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
• Carry 50+ lbs of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to ¼ mile).
• Work outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions (e.g., hot temperatures, high humidity, exposure to mosquitos and ticks, overnight hours, underground (in caves and underground mines)).

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field preferred.
• Federal United States Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit for northern long-eared bats, gray bats, and Indiana bats OR equivalent experience to be able to obtain permit (please include handling resume as part of regular resume).
• Current rabies titer check within the past year (please send in rabies titer check when submitting resume).
• Experience with radio transmitters on bats, as well as conducting radio telemetry.
• Experience with surveying wildlife in subterranean habitats or being comfortable with surveying wildlife in subterranean habitats. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willingness and ability to travel overnight throughout Missouri
• Accept all responsibilities of the job and ass