Requisition Id: 3544
Salary: $56,304.00 - $70,272.00 Salary Grade: S9
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date: November 24, 2024Our 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- Matthew D Combes at Matt.Combes@mdc.mo.gov or at660 7852424x6530. We'd love to hear from you!
Summary/ObjectiveThe Aquatic Health Ecologist position is in the Missouri Department of Conservation's Conservation Health Section and works closely with other salaried and hourly staff to deliver the Fish Kills and Water Quality programs. Conservation Health Section staff work together in a One Health framework to monitor and do research on plants, animals, and their environments to address information gaps and guide policy. The Fish Kills and Water Quality programs investigate pollution issues at scales ranging from individual organisms to whole watersheds. The Aquatic Health Ecologist supervises a team of salaried and hourly staff to accomplish fish kill and harmful algal bloom monitoring statewide. They are responsible for coordinating multiple research and monitoring projects designed to inform aquatic health policy, planning, and mitigation efforts. The position also works in cooperation with Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and others to coordinate monitoring, research, and outreach efforts.
Essential Job Duties - Develop research projects on aquatic health threats such as herbicides, pesticides, nutrients, and other pollutants which lead to fish kills, pollution events, and harmful algal blooms. Includes statistical design, data analyses, interpreting results, and reporting results.
- Coordinate multiple research and monitoring projects designed to improve our response to aquatic health threats now and in the future.
- Supervise a team of salaried and hourly staff to accomplish water quality, fish kill, and harmful algal bloom monitoring statewide.
- Provide water quality, fish kill, and harmful algal bloom investigation training to MDC staff, other Departments, and partners.
- Coordinate field investigations between MDC staff and other agencies.
- Manage water quality, fish kill, and harmful algal bloom data through web-based software applications.
- Coordinate fish kill cases with MDNR Enforcement staff.
- Collaborate with state and federal partners to provide expertise and scientific information as needed for water quality criteria development.
- Communicate current and emerging aquatic health information via presentations, publications and other written materials, and other outreach activities.
- Provide policy support across our aquatic systems through field work, data collection, summarization, and recommendations.
- Manage a laboratory by monitoring supplies and coordinating purchases of shared supplies.
Ancillary Job Duties - Other duties as assigned.
- Participate in annual Chronic Wasting Disease monitoring activities.
Education and Experience- Master's Degree in Environmental Science, Water Quality, Limnology, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, Ecology, or related.
- At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Ability to manage large relational databases.
- Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, and large trucks pulling trailers.
- Ability to travel and work varying shifts, as required.
- Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, phone system, fax, scanner, and computer.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience designing and implementing research projects including statistical design, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
- Experience with environmental chemistry, water quality, limnology, and/or fishery science.
- Experience calibrating water quality sensors, deploying data sondes, and processing large continuous water quality datasets.
- Familiarity with GPS equipment and GIS software.
Work Environment- Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities- Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Regularly operate tools and other machinery and relocate machinery to other areas.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
- Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
- Concentrated attention is required at all times.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
DisclaimerThis 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 NotesThis position has been determined to be Exempt 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 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.