Science Assistant ( Hourly)

Requisition Id: 3441 

Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45

Hourly Pay Grade: H6 

Expected Work Schedule:

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

Closing Date: October 1, 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 this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, ​Katrina K Knott , at Katrina.Knott@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157901x2923 , Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.

Summary/Objective

Position resides in the Environmental Health Program in the Science Branch. The Environmental Health Program's mission is to promote healthy fish, forest, and wildlife by identifying and minimizing pollution and contaminants (Hg, Pb, Se, PCBs, PFAS, and algal toxins) in aquatic and terrestrial habitats statewide using a One Health framework. Surveillance and research conducted by Program staff seek to understand spatio-temporal trends in contamination, improve knowledge of the biotic and abiotic factors contributing to exposure/bioaccumulation, and assesses adverse health outcomes for individuals, populations, and ecosystems. Data may be incorporated into fish consumption advisories, species management plans, and water quality standards, and may inform natural resource damages assessments and restoration decisions.

Essential Job Duties

• Collecting various fish and wildlife species in the field.
• Investigating fish kills and harmful algal blooms.
• Aging of various fish species by otoliths and fin spines. 
• Dissection of fish and wildlife for contaminants and associated health biomarkers.
• Lab work may include: basic, special, and immunohistochemical staining; histomorphological assessment; spectrophotometry; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; DNA quality/quantity analyses; and PCR.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and records.
• Maintain chain-of-custody information from the field to the lab (samples collected, inventory, and results).
• Data entry and database management.
• Maintain accuracy of records, sample inventory and contaminants databases (QAQC).
• Collate inventory for analyses of contaminants and related health biomarkers. Analysis, writing, and summarization of data for reports and publications.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related field.
• Alternatively, a Master’s Degree.
• Course work and interest in water quality, animal physiology, ecology, ecotoxicology, fisheries, wildlife and fisheries diseases, chemistry, mathematics, statistics.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
• Ability to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
• Experience summarizing and analyzing datasets and communicating findings, highly desired.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, Power Point, ArcGIS are desired.
• Experience with micro-pipetting, microscopy, dissection, and aging of fish desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
• Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
• Knowledge and application of the scientific method.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Sit for long periods of time.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

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.
• Available for occasional overnight travel and weekend work when needed.
• Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requirin