Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly)

Requisition Id: 4354 

Salary: $16.58 - $20.31  

Salary Grade: H4 

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

Closing Date: February 27, 2026

 

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,Brandon L Brooke at Brandon.Brooke@mdc.mo.gov or at573 8157901x2891, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

This position will assist MDC’s Rare Fishes Program with ongoing research and monitoring of federally threatened Niangua Darter and other fish species of conservation concern. Job duties will primarily be related to the collection, management, and reporting of biological data and maintaining the equipment needed for conducting research and monitoring activities.
This position is expected to work full time throughout the summer field season from approximately May 16th to mid-August (start and end dates have flexibility).

Essential Job Duties

• Assist with ongoing surveys to monitor populations of endangered Niangua Darter and other stream fishes.
• The employee will be trained in a variety of field methods to sample these species of conservation concern, associated fish communities, and collect data describing habitat characteristics.
• Activities will include conducting fish distribution surveys in Ozark streams using snorkeling and seine methods, canoeing/kayaking to survey locations, habitat assessment, and data collection using various electronic instruments.
• Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
• Perform general maintenance on tools, gear, and equipment.
• Regular field trips, work extended or non-standard hours, and occasional overnight travel are required.

Ancillary Job Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Two years of undergraduate education in one of the sciences (e.g., Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, or Biological Sciences).
• For longer-duration aquatic sampling positions, ability to pass an approved boating safety course, and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, land maintenance equipment, power tools and large trucks pulling trailers.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of job situations often involving long hours, hazardous conditions and difficult circumstances.
• Ability to operate various types of hand tools and perform minor mechanical repairs on vehicles and equipment.
• Knowledge to perform minor repairs on buildings and utility systems.
• Ability to establish an effective working relationship with Department employees, Extension Agents, educational professionals, and community leaders.

Work Environment

• Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

Physical Abilities

• Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Regularly operate tools and other machinery and relocate machinery to other areas.
• 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.

Disclaimer

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