Title: Bat and Cave Science Assistant (Hourly)
Requisition Id: 4486
Salary: $20.08 - $24.54
Salary Grade: H6
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date:
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,Shelly N Colatskie at Shelly.Colatskie@mdc.mo.gov or at573 5224115x3282, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
The Missouri Department of Conservation has an opening for one full-time science assistant to assist with bat surveys (mist netting, harp trapping, hibernacula surveys) and subterranean (cave and mine) bio-surveys. Currently for this position, we have funding through the end of June 2027.
Essential Job Duties
- Work as part of a team to conduct mist netting and harp trapping for bats.
- Conduct underground bio-inventory surveys in caves and mines, especially for hibernating bat populations.
- Assist with mist netting and/or harp trapping surveys targeting all bat species known to Missouri, including but not limited to northern long-eared bats, Indiana bats, tricolored bats, little brown bats, eastern small-footed bats, and gray bats.
- Assist with radio telemetry and acoustic surveys as needed
- Operate 4WD vehicle with trailer, and ATVs or UTVs, on field roads and rugged terrain.
- Navigate to netting sites using GPS units and maps.
- Travel to areas across Missouri, for multiple days per week. Lodging and food will be provided when traveling.
- Inventory and maintain supplies and equipment.
- Maintain detailed survey records.
- Compile, organize, and analyze survey data, including geospatial data, and assist with preparing reports.
- Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
- Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
- Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
- Carry 50+ lbs of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to ¼ mile).
- Work outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions (e.g., hot temperatures, high humidity, exposure to mosquitos and ticks, overnight hours, underground (in caves and underground mines)).