Science Assistant - Statewide RAM Crew Leader (Hourly)

The Missouri Department of Conservation is hiring a Science Assistant - Statewide RAM Crew Leader in Columbia, MO. This temporary position involves leading a team for fish collection, water quality assessment, and data management. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and field experience. It is a full-time position starting April 16, 2025, and ending October 15, 2025, with no benefits provided.
Requisition Id: 3812

Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45

Hourly Pay Grade: H6

Expected Work Schedule:

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

Closing Date: March 23, 2025

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, ​Brittany L Harried , at Brittany.Harried@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157900x2973 , during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Applications are being accepted to fill up to two temporary positions in Columbia, Missouri. Person will be a crew leader for the statewide Resource Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) sampling effort. Responsibilities include leading a three-person team to conduct fish collection and identification, assess and record water quality and stream habitat data, maintain sampling equipment, enter data in a computerized database, and performing other duties as required. This position is expected to start about April 16th, 2025 and end about October 15, 2025. Applicants should be able to work 40 hours per week. Employment will not exceed 975 hours. Department benefits are not available for this position.

Essential Job Duties
• Assist on research, monitoring and survey project on stream habitats by sampling species, collecting information, processing samples, entering data in spreadsheets, or other data management devices.
• Maintain the accuracy and availability to information in various databases.
• 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.
• Most duties are field work focused, although a few may be lab focused.

Ancillary Job Duties
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related field.
• One or more years of field season experience with fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, taxonomic identification and laboratory processing of samples is highly desirable.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to work independently and make decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
• Knowledge to identify Midwestern fish species.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, landowners, and the public.
• Ability to operate commonly used sampling gear for fishes and macroinvertebrates.
• Ability to proficiently operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to accurately record data.
• Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Sit for long periods of time.

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.
• Travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently.

Physical Abilities
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
• Concentrated attention is required at all times.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less, three-dimensional vision, and precise hand-eye coordination.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire 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.