Resource Science Assistant - Wildlife Health Technician (Hourly)

State of Missouri; Kirksville (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Wildlife Health Technician to support the Chronic Wasting Disease Program. This role involves engaging with local meat processors and taxidermists, providing training on sample collection, and ensuring compliance with program requirements. The ideal candidate will be passionate about wildlife health, possess strong analytical and communication skills, and be comfortable working both independently and in diverse environments. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts while enjoying a supportive work culture dedicated to professional growth and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license is mandatory for this role.
• Experience in wildlife health and biological sample collection is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Travel extensively to collect samples and deliver supplies.
• Enter and validate wildlife health data accurately.
• Represent the department professionally in all communications.

Skills

Effective Communication

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Ability to Work Independently

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Requisition Id: 3872

Hourly Pay Rate: $19.45

Hourly Pay Grade: H6

Expected Work Schedule: M-F 8am to 5pm

Job Location: Northeast Regional Office (KIRKS1)

Closing Date: May 8, 2025

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 this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, Deborah A Hudman, at [e-mail] or call 573 815 7901 x2934, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

The Wildlife Health Technician plays a crucial role in supporting the Chronic Wasting Disease Program by engaging with meat processors and taxidermists (CWD Cooperators) within their designated region. This position entails enrolling CWD Cooperators in the program, providing training on the collection of retropharyngeal lymph nodes, instructing on the accurate completion of data forms, and ensuring that cooperators adhere to their contractual obligations.

Essential Job Duties

• Travelling extensively throughout the region to visit each CWD Cooperator, collect samples, and deliver essential supplies. Average driving times are estimated to be no less than 20 hours per week from November 2025 to March 2026.
• Responsible for submitting biological samples to the Wildlife Health laboratory either in person or by mail.
• Entering, correcting, and validating wildlife health data.
• Represent the department in a professional manner at all times.
• Correspond with CWD Cooperators and MDC staff via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
• Previous experience in the field of wildlife health and biological sample collection is desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, Biological Sciences, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to maintain focus and a positive attitude under adversity.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Access.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently.

Work Environment

• Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions exist.
• 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 travel and/or overnight may be required.

Physical Abilities

• Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Maintain a stationary position for approximately 70% of the duration of work tasks.
• Proficiently operate a computer and various office equipment.
• Exercise concentrated attention consistently throughout all tasks.

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 the 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.