Science Assistant - PBG Vegetation structure/bee Crew Leader

Requisition Id: 2966 

Salary: $18.85 - $23.04  

Salary Grade: H6 

Job Location:  Clinton Office (CLINT1) 

Closing Date: February 26, 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- Thomas R Thompson at Tom.Thompson@mdc.mo.gov or at660 8858179x240.  

Summary/Objective

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Grassland Systems Field Station is looking to hire a crew leader to assist in the collection of field data related to evaluating patch burn grazing on 5 native tallgrass prairie study areas in west-central Missouri.  Patch burn grazing with cattle is used as a management technique in Missouri to create spatial patchiness or heterogeneity in vegetation structure and related characteristics that are important to a wide variety of prairie species (grassland birds, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, prairie mole crickets, etc.).  The crew leader will work with the grassland ecologist in supervising a field crew (4 technicians) in the collection of spatially explicit estimates of vegetation structure and related characteristics, as well as species responses to this management (monitoring cattle behavior, and sampling of planthopper, grasshopper, and butterfly communities).

MDC-sponsored housing close to the Clinton Office will be available for a minimal cost.  More details will be provided at request. 

Essential Job Duties

• Will be responsible for leading and supervising the vegetation structure crew (4 technicians) in intensive field sampling.
• Will work with Grassland Ecologist in preparing and organizing field equipment and supplies prior to the start of the field season.
• Will work with Grassland Ecologist in training and directing crews in all aspects of work requirements.
• Will be responsible for procuring and using a state purchasing card, as well as maintaining records and logs, related to field work (e.g., supplies, lodging and meals during overnight stays).
• Will assist crews in prairie field work and the collection of data.
• Will use GPS and GIS technology to map and locate monitoring points and will assist with data entry and database management.
• Will assist in identifying prairie plant and insect species, and in preserving and storing of collected specimens.
• Assist in the preparation, organization and maintenance (in cooperation with Equipment Shop Technician) of all work trucks, trailers, UTV, and additional sampling gear. 
• Will use GPS and GIS technology (e.g., Trimble units, and ArcGIS) to locate survey quadrants and using tablets and specific programs for recording data.
• Assist with data entry in MS Excel, MS Access, and ArcPRO.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Preferred candidates will be pursuing or have a degree in Fisheries, Biological Sciences, Natural Resources, Zoology or related subject.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
• Willing to complete Department provided CPR/1st Aid Certification, if not already certified.
• Experience driving 4x4 trucks, UTV, and towing/backing trailers is highly desired, but not required (training provided).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Applicant must be highly organized, detail oriented, and possess outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to keep an accurate record of supplies, services and time reports.
• Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with a work team crew.
• Be able to hike 1 to 4 miles a day on uneven terrain, cheerfully endure heat and high humidity, and orient plots with the use of a compass.
• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills.
• Required to work long hours outdoors with work beginning at 6:30 am, and expected to endure harsh summer field conditions (heat, humidity, ticks, chiggers, spiders, briars, and uneven terrain).
• It is preferred that the assistants has completed a plant taxonomy, field botany, or similar course.

Work Environment

• Travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently.
• Majority of time is spent working outdoors on native remnant prairie, and other environments to collect biological data during the summer.
• Hike 1 to 4 miles per day on uneven terrain.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and ot