Interdisciplinary Biologist or Physical Scientist (Natural Resources Program Manager)

National Park Service; Van Buren (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service in Van Buren, Missouri seeks an Interdisciplinary Biologist or Physical Scientist (Natural Resources Program Manager) to lead resource stewardship and science-based management for Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

The role emphasizes planning, coordination with partners, research oversight, and the integration of GIS and data analysis to inform park-level decisions and long-term resource protection.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and coordinates the writing of natural resources sections of the resources management plan and action plans for management and protection of natural resources.
• Represents the superintendent when working with others on resource stewardship issues.
• Develops and maintains effective working relations with interested groups, agencies, and the public.
• Attends management and professional conferences to advance park stewardship advocacy.
• Coordinates park natural resources programs with adjacent lands to achieve broad protection strategies and prevent human impacts.
• Negotiates cooperative and interagency agreements and other cooperative instruments.
• Identifies research needs, prepares statements of work, and provides oversight for research projects.
• Serves as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative for contracts and interagency agreements.
• Evaluates results for management implications and designs long-term monitoring protocols.
• Incorporates GIS technology to provide scientifically sound answers and uses automated data collection and analysis methods.
• Prepares environmental assessments (EAs) for projects under NEPA and evaluates EAs/EIS prepared by others.

Tools

GIS technology

Job description

Open: September 2, 2026 - Closes: September 8, 2026

Summary

You will serve as a Interdisciplinary Biologist or Physical Scientist (Natural Resources Program Manager) with National Park Service, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, located in Van Buren, Missouri.

Major Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Prepares and coordinates the writing of the natural resources sections of the resources management plan and specific action plans pertaining to the management and protection of natural resources. Represents the superintendent when working with others on resource stewardship issues. Develops and maintains effective working relations with interested groups and individuals, agencies, and the public. Attends management and professional conferences and other events for the purposes of exchanging information and advancing advocacy for park stewardship. Coordinates Park natural resources programs with those on adjacent lands for the purposes of achieving broad protection strategies and preventing human impacts. Negotiates cooperative and interagency agreements and other cooperative instruments needed to effectively carry out resource stewardship goals. Identifies research needs, prepares requests for proposals or statements of work, and provides oversight for research projects. Serves as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative for projects conducted through contracts, interagency agreements, and cooperative agreements. Evaluates results for management implications. Designs, develops, tests, and implements scientific monitoring protocols to identify, evaluate, and do long-term monitoring of resources. Incorporates appropriate GIS technology into job to provide comprehensive and scientifically sound answers to inquiries from managers and others. Uses automated methods of data collection, analysis or illustration. Inputs data into digital form and uses computer applications for data analysis, manipulation, and presentation. Prepares environmental assessments (EAs) for projects in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Evaluates EAs and environmental impact statements prepared by other agencies or groups for impacts on park resources.