Resource Science Aide- PBGC botany crew

Requisition Id: 2971 

Salary: $15.56 - $19.07  

Salary Grade: H4 

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 recruiting 3 Botanical Research Assistants to assist in vegetation data collection in the tallgrass prairies of West-Central and Southwest Missouri. Assistants will work along with the grassland botanist and the botany crew leader to identify prairie plant species and record vegetation data for a long-term study investigating the effects of patch burn grazing with cattle on remnant prairie plant communities. This position offers an opportunity to further develop botanical identification skills, gain a better understanding of prairie ecosystems, and interact with professionals in the natural resources field.

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 independently collecting presence/absence data of 50 prairie plant species (including percent cover and life stage characteristics), across 5 remnant prairies in SW and West Missouri on both control and patch burn grazing units with strict adherence to protocols.
• Will take part in intensive MDC led trainings of over 200+ prairie plants species with botany crew leader and grassland ecologist.
• Will work with the botany crew leader and grassland ecologist to collect plant community diversity data and survey for rare plant species.
• Assist with mounting plant specimens and assisting in herbarium maintenance.
• Assisting PBG structure crew with data collection of vegetation structure, bee, planthopper, and butterfly surveys
• Assist in the preparation, organization, and maintenance (in cooperation with Equipment Shop Technician) of all work trucks, trailers, UTV, and additional sampling gear. 
• Develop skills in plant and insect ID from sampling surveys.
• Develop skills using 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 ArcGIS.
• This position will have the opportunity to assist with other ongoing projects and attend MDC training courses as needed.

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

• Majority of time is spent working outdoors on native remnant prairie, and other environments to collect biological data during the summer.
• Travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently.
• 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 other office productivity machinery.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision.
• Concentrated a