Resource Science Assistant Maitland
Resource Science Assistant Chillicothe
Missouri Department of Conservation
Salary: $28596 - $50280
Positions funded through September 2016
Duties and Responsibilites:
- Provides a broad range of field and laboratory activities related to on-going five-year project examining effects of Missouri River management alternatives on fishery resources and rare and endangered fishes.
- Collects fisheries and habitat data on the Missouri and Kansas rivers according to standard operating procedures and protocols outlined for the Pallid Sturgeon Population Assessment Program and other related projects using a variety of techniques and equipment routinely used in fishery investigations including: trotlines, gill nets, trawling gear, mini-fykes, trammel nets, electrofishing equipment, boats and outboard motors, water chemistry sampling equipment, various meters, mapping equipment including GPS equipment, and laboratory analytical equipment.
- Works independently on assigned portions of the project and assumes responsibilities for collection of quantitative samples and maintaining quality control over data when resource science staff biologist is not present. Collects and measures fishes, records data, performs habitat mapping, collects other physical or chemical data on site and collects climatic and hydrological data.
- Ensures data is collected in a manner consistent with established standard operating procedures, metadata and database standards, and ensures QA/QC of data being collected.
- Processes samples in laboratory according to established QA/QC procedures and sorts, measures, weighs, catalogs, and makes taxonomic identifications of fish and aquatic invertebrates using laboratory equipment, microscopes, and taxonomic keys.
- Constructs tables and graphs for annual reports and presentations.
- Performs scientific literature searches, reviews pertinent literature, and occasionally writes literature reviews and assists with limited report writing or data summarizations.
- Supervises and helps train temporary workers and graduate students, including delegating assignments, work scheduling and limited project planning.
- Makes approved purchases according to MDC purchasing guidelines.
- Designs, builds, repairs, and maintains field and laboratory equipment.
- Schedules maintenance of state vehicles, boats, and other equipment and periodically inspects all equipment to meet safety standards or inspections.
- Conducts inventories and coordinates property control.
- Attends MDC training courses as required.
- Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Biological Sciences, Zoology or closely related subjects, and one (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience in scientific research or fisheries management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Special skills desired include familiarity with large river sampling techniques.
- 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 Abilities and Requirements:
- Ability to:
- Use personal computers and software effectively.
- Operate a motor vehicle (often with trailer attached) and have or obtain a valid Driver’s License by the date of employment.
- Operate boats, motors, large boats and use fisheries sampling gear in a safe and prudent manner.
- Give overall guidance and direction to hourly staff and assure projects are carried out in achieving an efficient and productive operation.
- Make independent decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
- Work in a variety of weather conditions (cold/hot temperatures, rain, etc.).
- Make multiple overnight trips on a weekly basis throughout the year.
- Travel and work for up to two weeks away from official domicile.
- Able to work long days (i.e., greater than eight hours), evenings, Saturdays and Sundays when needed.
Excemption 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 or re-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
