Assistant Natural History Biologist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION JOB OPPORTUNITY Title: Assistant Natural History Biologist Region: Statewide Location: Columbia, MO Start Date: Immediately End Date: September 1st, 2022 Pay Rate: $13.40/ hour Closing Date: 3/11/2022 Description: The Missouri Department of Conservation has an opening for a full-time assistant natural history biologist to work on multiple bat resource science projects throughout the state. This position’s primary responsibility will be leading summer mist-net sampling stations for Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) in Northern Missouri as an agent of the state. Additional projects will include cave monitoring, updating the Statewide Bat Database, and coordinating access to Department owned caves. Overnight travel within the state will be required for multiple projects. There may be opportunities to assist with data analysis and manuscript writing. General Responsibilities Include: • Locating sampling locations (i.e., cave entrances) using GPS units and maps • Operating ATVs • Driving trucks and towing ATV trailers • Carrying 50+ lbs. of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to ¼ mile) • Work outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions (i.e., hot/ cold temperatures, dense mosquitos, during the night, etc.) • Design datasheets • Assist in data collection and potentially the design for various research and monitoring projects for bats (includes acoustic surveys, hibernacula counts, mist-netting, harp traps at hibernacula entrances) • Maintaining and updating databases in Microsoft Access Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology or related field • Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations • Must be able to work underground • Willingness and ability to travel overnight throughout the state • Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks • Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility • Recognize a problem, analyze relevant information, develop solutions and solve problems • Maintain focus, remain optimistic and persistent even under adversity • Ability to communicate well with team members, collaborators, supervisors • Demonstrates a safety orientated mindset • Must be able to represent the Department in a professional manner during encounters with the public • Valid driver’s license Preferred Qualification: • Federal permit or the required skills to apply for Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis), northern long eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis), and gray bats (Myotis grisescens). Experience with mist netting, TIR video, and/or acoustic monitoring of bats and identifying Eastern bat species in hand, visually during hibernacula counts, and/or acoustically • Proficiency with GIS data and its applications. Familiarity with ESRI ARCMap preferred. • Experience with photography and DSLR camera operation • Ability to use Microsoft Access for database management and data entry • Master’s degree in natural resources or other related field (preference for bat related thesis) • Experience loading/towing trailers Special Notes: The Department of Conservation will only hire Unites States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an ‘Employment Eligibility Certification” form (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment. Candidates seeking initial employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Contact Person: Send cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to Jordan Meyer (Jordan.Meyer@mdc.mo.gov). For more information about the position, contact Jordan Meyer (Jordan.Meyer@mdc.mo.gov).