Naturalist - INTERNAL ONLY

Missouri Department of Conservation; Branson (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking an Educational Interpreter to educate the public on fish, forest, and wildlife through on- and off-site programs. You will deliver hatchery tours to schools and groups, create new conservation materials, and assist at the front desk handling calls and inquiries.

Responsibilities include maintaining the facility, supervising volunteers, and coordinating events while working with live animals and educational exhibits.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Interpretive Guide certification, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Educate the public on fish, forest, and wildlife through a variety of media.
• Present educational/interpretive programs both on and off site for various audiences on a wide variety of conservation subjects.
• Deliver hatchery tours to the public, schools, and organized groups.
• Create and present new programs and interpretation material pertaining to natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation and ecology.
• Frequently assist the front desk, interacting with public via telephone, email and in-person discussion.
• Assist in maintaining area landscaping with native plants.
• Routinely inspect and help maintain cleanliness of facility.
• Set up classrooms and required materials timely and order supplies and equipment, as needed.
• Help supervise and train volunteers and new staff.
• Ability to work Saturdays.
• Interact with public tour groups and individuals via telephone, email and in-person discussion.
• Oversee exhibit and program animals, providing care, feed, and maintenance for live animal displays including fish, reptiles and amphibians.
• Assist with department priorities, special events, and other programs, as needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Teaching

Customer service

Volunteer supervision

Travel readiness

Education

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

1 year interpretation/teaching experience

Tools

AV equipment

Office equipment

Job description

Job Location: Shepherd of the Hills Hatch Con Ctr (BRANS3)

Closing Date: September 21, 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,Alison S Bleichat [e-mail] at417 3344865x4503, 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.

• Present educational/interpretive programs both on and off site for various audiences on a wide variety of conservation subjects.
• Deliver hatchery tours to the public, schools, and organized groups.
• Create and present new programs and interpretation material pertaining to natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation and ecology.
• Frequently assist the front desk, interacting with public via telephone, email and in-person discussion.
• Assist in maintaining area landscaping with native plants.
• Routinely inspect and help maintain cleanliness of facility.
• Set up classrooms and required materials timely and order supplies and equipment, as needed.
• Help supervise and train volunteers and new staff.
• Ability to work Saturdays.
• Interact with public tour groups and individuals via telephone, email and in-person discussion.
• Oversee exhibit and program animals, providing care, feed, and maintenance for live animal displays including fish, reptiles and amphibians.
• Assist with department priorities, special events, and other programs, as n eeded.

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.
• Interpretive Guide certification, 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.
• Holds self and team accountable for safety, conduct, performance, professional development, and public engagement.
• Models and upholds the Department’s Code of Conduct, ensuring professional and ethical behavior.
• Motivates, coaches, and develops team members to achieve organizational goals and maximize performance.
• Applies strategic thinking, planning, budgeting, and conservation business principles to decision-making.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Department policies, procedures, and supervisory responsibilities.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement, analyzes root causes, and implements effective solutions.
• Gives and receives constructive feedback while providing timely coaching and support.
• Sets clear SMART objectives, provides resources, and empowers teams to take ownership of results.
• Balances operational efficiency with effective staff management to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Collaborates across diverse perspectives, communicates clearly, and fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, organizational values, and talent development.
• Demonstrates strategic vision by understanding the long-term direction of the Department and Branch, aligning priorities and values, and communicating a clear path toward achieving program goals.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

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.