Resource Staff Scientist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Salary Range: $36084 - $63588
Position funded through September 2019
Duties and Responsibilites:
- Provides the primary logistic coordination of field activities, personnel, and equipment for conducting research related to the Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment. This is a United States Army Corps of Engineers funded study and is currently finishing the third year of a 5 year contract.
- Coordinates and leads field activities and work schedules.
- Conducts and coordinates data collection and ensures for quality assurance/quality control.
- Develops and tests experimental sampling gear and evaluates new technologies to assess biological and physical changes to aquatic environments.
- Supervises and trains one or two Resource Science Assistants and several seasonal hourly employees.
- Facilitates data transfer to database manager for this and other potential management evaluation projects.
- Ensures compliance with metadata and database standards.
- Ensures that all facilities are operated and utilized according to the Department standards.
- Ensures accountability of all field equipment.
- Compiles, tabulates, and analyzes data.
- Coordinates statistical analysis with biometric support staff as necessary.
- Assists in preparing annual reports concerning progress on project.
- Authors popular articles, edits quarterly research newsletters, writes scientific manuscripts and papers, and makes presentations at intra- and interstate technical meetings and workshops with other state resource managers and scientists.
- Makes presentations to sportsmen’s and other groups, colleges and universities, media (TV, radio) and civic organizations.
- Stays current with aquatic ecological literature, including new or improved methods for monitoring these systems, and conducts literature searches as required.
- Assists with design and preparation of research proposals, cooperative agreements or grants, and sampling protocols, including joint management/research and interagency projects.
- Prepares and monitors budgets and manages equipment and supplies.
- Assists other Resource Science and other divisional personnel when needed and as time permits.
- Participates in Department training programs as instructor and provides inter-divisional technical training (e.g., fish identification, sampling techniques, habitat classification).
- Serves on review teams and other special ad hoc committees.
- Develops professional skills through training, participation in professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Attends required Missouri Department of Conservation Leadership Academy courses. Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences, Wildlife, Zoology, or closely related subjects; or a Bachelor’s Degree and two years of progressively responsible professional experience in scientific research or natural resource management.
- A working knowledge of forest flora and fauna population biology or conservation biology is preferred.
- Technical experience with ArcView, statistical programs, and Microsoft Access is desirable.
- Candidates born after January 1, 1984, must be able to pass an approved boating safety course and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
Special Ability Requirements:
- Ability to:
- Express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Give overall guidance and direction to hourly staff and assure projects are carried out in achieving an efficient and productive operation.
- Work out-of-doors in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Use ArcView GIS software.
- Operate a motor vehicle.
- Obtain a Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (Class A).
- Operate boats, motors, large boats and electrofishing gear in safe and prudent manner.
- Make multiple overnight trips on a weekly basis throughout the year.
- Travel and work for up to two weeks away from official domicile.
- Work over 8 hours a day and on evenings, Saturdays and Sundays as needed.
Exemptions Status/Special Notes:
This position has been determined to be exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time off in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department’s Compensatory Time Off and Overtime policy. Smoking is prohibited in all owned, rented or leased Department of Conservation offices, buildings, and similar facilities, in Department aircraft, and in vehicles. The Department of Conservation will hire only United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment. Candidates seeking initial employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment. All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.