Naturalist

Missouri Department of Conservation; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri Department of Conservation seeks a hands-on educator to bring wildlife, fisheries, and forestry topics to diverse audiences through engaging programs and exhibits.

You will design and present interpretive sessions, mentor volunteers and part-time staff, collaborate with teachers and partners, and manage event logistics while ensuring safe, accurate information is conveyed to visitors and schools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field.
• One year interpretation and/or teaching experience.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• NAI Certified Interpretive Guide certificate preferred.
• Experience with paddling, angling, shooting sports, or hunting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and present enviromental education and interpretive programs to a wide-range of audiences on a variety of topics such as natural history, outdoor recreation, hunting, and angling.
• Collaborate with colleagues to schedule public programs, prepare for programs, and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Direct and mentor volunteers and part-time staff.
• Interact with visitors in-person and answer questions via telephone and email.
• Care for education animals (primarily herpetofauna, fish, and insects).
• Ensure timely completion of invoices, time sheets, and expense reimbursements.
• Assist with department-wide priorities like managed hunts, special events, and other programs, as needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Program development

Interpersonal skills

AV/tech setup

Wildlife knowledge

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fisheries/Forestry/Wildlife/Biological Sciences/Conservation

Interpretation/teaching experience

Driver's license

NAI Certified Interpretive Guide preferred

Experience with paddling/angling/shooting sports/hunting preferred

Job description

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Closing Date: October 6, 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,Laci E Prucinskyat [e-mail] at573 2905218x4460, during regular business hours.We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Educate the public on fish, forest, and wildlife through a variety of media.

• Create and present enviromental education and interpretive programs to a wide-range of audiences on a variety of topics such as natural history, outdoor recreation, hunting, and angling.
• Collaborate with colleagues to schedule public programs, prepare for programs, and maintain supplies and equipment.
• Direct and mentor volunteers and part-time staff.
• Interact with visitors in-person and answer questions via telephone and email.
• Care for education animals (primarily herpetofauna, fish, and insects).
• Ensure timely completion of invoices, time sheets, and expense reimbursements.
• Assist with department-wide priorities like managed hunts, special events, and other programs, as needed.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field.
• One (1) year interpretation and/or teaching experience.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• NAI Certified Interpretive Guide certificate preferred.
• Experience with paddling, angling, shooting sports, or hunting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
• Knowledge to identify most native Missouri forest, fish and wildlife resources and species.
• Ability to develop and present programs to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to operate various audio/visual equipment, i.e., AV carts, laptops, digital equipment, iPad, smart phones, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with partner groups, teachers and school administrators, civic and non-governmental organization leaders, members of the news media, Department personnel and the public.
• Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• With this office location, along with the general job duties for this position, you will experience significant interaction with visitors in the nature center.

Physical Abilities

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery to other areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 25 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 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 Nonexemptaccording 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.