Wildlife Health Technician (Hourly)

Kate on Conservation; Missouri; On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wildlife Health Technician supports MDC wildlife disease surveillance by coordinating biological sample shipping, QA/QC of regional samples, and responding to sick and dead wildlife reports. The role may assist with outreach workshops and CWD operations.

Office-based work includes managing the wildlife health laboratory and diagnostics on wildlife. Responsibilities include coordinating samples, communicating with the public, and maintaining data using Access and GIS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
• Maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
• Previous experience operating diagnostic laboratory equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics for statewide CWD sampling and organize 30,000+ samples annually.
• Coordinate statewide sick and dead wildlife responses with public communication.
• Coordinate biological sample submissions with diagnostic laboratories and report results.
• Operate laboratory diagnostic equipment and observe biohazard precautions.
• Enter and analyze wildlife health data using Access or GIS tools.
• Represent the department professionally when interacting with the public.
• Respond to reports of sick or dead wildlife and collect samples for testing.
• Inventory supplies for wildlife disease testing.
• Participate in festivals and workshops with MDC staff and the public.
• Assist the state wildlife veterinarian with research and necropsies.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Independent work

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Safety mindset

Public communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or related field

Valid driver’s license

Experience operating diagnostic laboratory equipment

Tools

Microsoft Access

ArcPro GIS

State applications

Job description

Wildlife Health Technician (Hourly)

Requisition ID: 4963
Salary: $20.56–$25.13 per hour
Salary grade: H6
Location: Charles W. Green Conservation Area, Missouri
Closing date: November 16, 2026

About the department

The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals dedicated to its mission, responsible stewardship, and One MDC.

Summary

The Wildlife Health Technician supports MDC wildlife disease surveillance by coordinating biological sample shipping, conducting quality assurance and quality control of regional samples, responding to sick and dead wildlife reports, and supporting other wildlife health surveillance projects. The position may also assist with outreach workshops and preparation for chronic wasting disease (CWD) operations. Work is primarily office-based, managing the wildlife health laboratory and conducting diagnostics on sick or dead wildlife.

Essential job duties

• Coordinate logistics for statewide CWD sampling, receiving, processing, and organizing more than 30,000 samples annually from hunter-harvested, sick, captive, and other cervids, and assist with other operations as needed.
• Coordinate statewide sick and dead wildlife responses by communicating with the public by email and phone, guiding staff, and directing specimen collection and submission.
• Coordinate biological sample submissions with diagnostic laboratories, prepare shipments, and report results.
• Operate laboratory diagnostic equipment, prepare solutions, and conduct wildlife disease testing. Use sterile techniques and observe biohazard precautions.
• Enter, correct, summarize, and analyze wildlife health data using Microsoft Access, ArcPro GIS software, or state applications.
• Represent the department professionally, especially when interacting with the public.
• Respond to reports of sick or dead wildlife and collect samples for testing, including for CWD, avian influenza, hemorrhagic disease, mange, and other diseases. Lead or assist with necropsies.
• Inventory supplies received and distributed for wildlife disease testing.
• Participate in festivals and conduct workshops with MDC staff and the public.
• Assist the state wildlife veterinarian with research and animal necropsies.

Ancillary duties

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
• Maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
• Previous experience operating diagnostic laboratory equipment is preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Maintain a positive attitude in challenging circumstances.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Work independently.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Maintain a safety-oriented mindset.
• Communicate effectively with the public, team members, collaborators, and supervisors.

Work environment

• Work outdoors in varying heat, cold, humidity, and precipitation.
• Work in an office, vehicles, garage bays, and necropsy and laboratory environments.
• Travel alone to businesses and residences, including remote locations.
• Occasional overnight travel is required.

Physical abilities

• Remain stationary for approximately 70% of work tasks.
• Operate a computer and office equipment.
• Regularly lift up to 30 pounds and properly lift up to 75 pounds.
• Maintain concentrated attention throughout tasks.
• Maintain regular attendance as an essential function.

Additional information

This description is not all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related responsibilities as assigned. MDC may revise job duties and requirements as needed; this description does not constitute an employment contract.

This is a nonexempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time instead of cash payments in accordance with the department’s compensatory time and overtime policy. Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device or cellular phone for department business as needed. MDC is a tobacco‑free workplace.

The department hires United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. New employees must complete Form I‑9 and provide requested documentation. Candidates seeking initial or re‑employment must complete a drug screen following an offer of employment. Missouri state employees must file required state income tax forms and pay state income taxes owed.