Wildlife Health Technician (Hourly)

The Missouri Department of Conservation seeks a Wildlife Health Technician to support wildlife disease surveillance in Ashland, MO. Responsibilities include coordinating logistics for biological samples, conducting wildlife responses, managing a health laboratory, and engaging in public outreach. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience with laboratory diagnostics. The position is primarily office-based and involves fieldwork as needed.
Requisition Id: 4510 Salary: $20.08 - $24.54 Salary Grade: H6 Job Location: Charles W Green Conservation Area (ASHLA1) Closing Date: May 8, 2026 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,Samantha Maywald at Sam.Maywald@mdc.mo.gov or at573 5224115x3902, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!Summary/Objective The Wildlife Health Technician plays a crucial role in supporting MDC wildlife disease surveillance by engaging with the public and MDC staff across the state of Missouri. The primary role consists of coordinating logistics for biological shipping, conducting quality assurance and quality control of biological samples from the regions, conducting general sick and dead wildlife responses by sampling or collecting fresh or decomposed animals, and other wildlife health surveillance projects as needed. Other aspects might include conducting outreach by assisting with MDC led workshops for MDC staff or for the public and assisting with prepping for various CWD Operations. This position is primarily in an office setting managing the wildlife health laboratory and running diagnostics on sick/dead wildlife.Essential Job Duties Coordinate sampling logistics for statewide chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling efforts by receiving, processing, and organizing over 30,000 samples annually from hunter-harvested, sick, captive, and other cervids and assist with other operations as needed. Coordinate logistics of statewide sick and dead wildlife response by responding directly to members of the public through email or phone calls, providing guidance to statewide staff, and directing specimen collection and submittal. Organize submission of biologic samples by coordinating with diagnostic laboratories, preparing shipments, and reporting results. Be able to run various laboratory diagnostic equipment that consists of prepping solutions and conducting laboratory testing on wildlife diseases. Have an understanding on sterile techniques and biohazards while working with wildlife diseases. Enter, correct, summarize, and analyze wildlife health data using Microsoft Access, ArcPro GIS software, or state-run applications. Always represent the department in a professional manner, especially during encounters with the public. Respond to sick or dead wildlife calls and collect biologic samples from wildlife for disease testing, including CWD, avian influenza, hemorrhagic disease, mange and other diseases as needed, and lead or assist in necropsies. Inventory supplies that are coming into the building and what is going out for wildlife disease testing. Conducting outreach by participating in festivals or conducting workshops with MDC staff and the public. Assist the state wildlife veterinarian in various research or necropsy of animals. Ancillary Job Duties Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, biology, or related field. Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license. Previous experience running diagnostic laboratory equipment is preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and in written formats. Demonstrate the capacity to maintain a positive attitude in challenging circumstances. Proficiency in prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently. Capable of working independently. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Effective time management to complete tasks by necessary deadlines. Demonstration of a safety-oriented mindset. Ability to communicate well with the public, team members, collaborators, and supervisors. Work Environment Regularly work in outdoor environments subject to varying conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, and precipitation. Complete tasks within a standard office setting, as well as in vehicles, garage bays, and necropsy/laboratory environments. Engage in solitary travel to various businesses and residences, including some situated in remote locations. Occasional overnight travel is required. Physical Abilities Maintain a stationary position for approximately 70% of the duration of work tasks. Proficiently operate a computer and various office equipment. Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds. Exercise concentrated attention consistently throughout all tasks. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. 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.