Editor

Missouri Department of Conservation; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking a seasoned writer/editor to lead print, digital, and web media development. You will edit and write for magazines, field guides, brochures, and internal communications, while coaching authors and managing production schedules.

Experience with InDesign is preferred; strong collaboration with leadership and program staff is essential to reflect the department’s mission and priorities in all materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Conservation, or related discipline.
• At least four years of professional writing or editing experience.
• Production management experience; InDesign preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of print, digital, and web media to ensure high quality and engaging products.
• Edit and write for magazines, brochures, field guides, and internal communications.
• Coach internal, external, and freelance authors to improve content.
• Develop production schedules and manage projects to completion.
• Coordinate with leadership, program managers, and staff to align with MDC priorities.

Skills

Professional writing

Editing

AP style

Time management

Collaboration

Deadlines

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Communications/Conservation

Tools

InDesign

Job description

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Closing Date: November 30, 2026

Interview Date: TBD

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,Nichole L Terrillat [e-mail] or at 573-522-4115, ext. 3245, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Lead the development of print, digital, and web media to ensure high-quality, accurate, and entertaining products are delivered to both internal and external consumers.

• Edit and write for scheduled/unscheduled publications, including for-sale books and field guides; calendars; Missouri Conservationist and Xplor magazines;hunting and fishing regulations booklets; Discover Nature Schools student books and teacher guides; the MDC Style Guide; MDC Online Field Guide;statewide brochures;fliers;internal communications documents, etc.
• Provide coaching for internal, external, and freelance authors.
• Develop production schedules and manage projects to completion by collaborating with content providers, art and design staff, and reviewers.
• Assist with vendor contract development, budgetary compliance, and invoice processing.
• Coordinate efforts with leadership, communications staff, program managers, director’s office, central office staff, and field staff.
• Ensure that products reflect the department’s mission, priorities, and internal/external stakeholder interests and needs.
  

Ancillary Job Duties

• Serve on internal and external committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Conservation, or related.
• At least four (4) years of professional writing or editing experience.
• Production management experience and experience with InDesign preferred.
• Experience with creating accessible publications preferred.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Professional writing and editing skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Be an active collaborator with writers, editors, designers, and others on creative solutions.
• Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating, and responding to the needs of readers.
• Ability to coach and challenge others to achieve their writing potential.
• Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
• Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow AP style and custom in-house style rules to guide writing and editing.
• Ability to use office equipment such as copier, multi-line phone system, scanner, and computer.
• Forestry/Fish/Wildlife knowledge preferred.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight, as needed.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours, as needed.
• Work is performed in standard office environment.

Physical Abilities

• Remain in a stationary position up to 70% of the time.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Position self to access items on shelves, under desks or in high or low areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
• Regularly lift up to 10 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.
• 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 Exemptaccording 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.