Forest Pest Surveyor - Spongy Moth (Hourly)

Requisition Id: 3885 

Hourly Pay Rate: $16.06

Hourly Pay Grade: H4 

Expected Work Schedule:

Job Location:  Ozark Regional Office (WESTP1) 

Closing Date: 4/4/25

 

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 this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, ​Roberta R Doerhoff , at Robbie.Doerhoff@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157901x2906 , during regular business hours.  We would love to hear from you!

Summary

Help protect Missouri’s forests from invasive pests by joining MDC’s Forest Health Program this summer! This position is a critical part of Missouri’s annual survey to detect spongy moth, a serious pest of oaks and many other native tree and shrub species. As a forest pest surveyor, you are assigned a multi-county area to place and monitor small triangular traps for spongy moth. You will work independently to set traps in a predetermined grid system within your area. This job involves a lot of driving in your MDC-assigned vehicle, so a valid driver’s license is required. Forest pest surveyors frequently traverse short distances of rough terrain to hang traps, but no long-distance hiking is expected or required. Occasional opportunities to cross-train with other staff at MDC are also available if you are interested in building your skills and network.

Location of Job: Douglas and Ozark counties

Duration of Job: Approx. May 16 through August 15, 2025                                                          

Number of Hours: Up to 40 hours per week during trap placement (May 16 to June 21) and trap monitoring (July 5 to August 15).

Essential Job Duties

• Assemble, place, monitor, and collect 350-500 cardboard moth traps.
• Navigate between trap sites using maps.
• Record trap locations using a GPS unit and/or handheld tablet. 
• Travel extensively throughout the assigned area using an MDC-provided vehicle. 
• Communicate with the public in a courteous manner.
• Work independently, in remote areas, and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Handle occasional mechanical issues with assigned vehicle. 

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of related experience
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License helpful.
• Experience with prescribed burns, certification helpful.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to operate tools and equipment for building and land management.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as computer, calculator, camera, scanner and printer.
• Basic plant identification and wildlife habitat knowledge.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Work Environment

• Frequently work in outdoor weather.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

Physical Abilities

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision
• Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Concentrated attention is required at all times.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be al