We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge, and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : Stewardship, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect, and Innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect, and enhance our environment, and we are committed to serving its citizens. We believe our mission and vision serve a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.
This position will be located at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Services Program, at the State Environmental Laboratory in Jefferson City, Missouri (2710 West Main Street). General work hours are Monday to Friday 8-5 with overnight travel required during the spring and fall sample collection seasons.
The Aquatic Bioassessment Unit conducts water quality investigations, integrating macroinvertebrate community analysis (e.g. aquatic insects, snails, crayfish, etc.), water chemistry, and stream habitat attributes to assess the biological integrity of Missouri's wadeable streams. Individuals are responsible for all aspects of their projects, including site selection, sample collection and processing, macroinvertebrate taxa determination, data analysis, and final report preparation. The unit strives to foster a collaborative work environment to ensure high quality, scientifically defensible studies.
- Plan and organize field work.
- Collect physical, chemical, and biological samples.
- Identify aquatic organisms using taxonomic keys and microscopes.
- Analyze and interpret data using spreadsheets, statistical software, and databases.
- Communicate ideas and results with other aquatic resource professionals.
- Prepare technical reports.
- Develop educational materials, participate in workshops, and train staff/others.
- Provide technical expertise on task forces, work groups, and in meetings.
This position is required to obtain and maintain a valid Missouri driver's license. If you do not currently possess this license, you will be given six months to obtain one.
To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:
- Attention to Detail : Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
- Biology : Knowledge of the environment, plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and entities, including their functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Environmental Science : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods to protect and improve the quality of the environment and its resources; and to monitor, control, abate, and prevent pollutants.
- Written Communication : Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Equivalent to those typically gained by:
- A Bachelor's or advanced degree (preferred) in biological sciences or experience conducting water quality investigations.
- Experience in aquatic entomology, fisheries, aquatic ecology, or other closely related fields.
- Possessing considerable knowledge of scientific theory, principles, and practices as applied to aquatic biology.
- Experience using microscopes and taxonomic keys for the identification of aquatic organisms.
Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant. Benefits & Work-life Balance Our benefits package and flexible 40-hour work week promotes the mental and physical health of you and your family as you work toward achieving your professional goals. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave; paid life insurance; medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance. Learn more here .
How we invest in you: - Exceptional professional development: mentoring from experienced professionals, cross-media training, career advancement opportunities, paid trainings and continuing education tuition assistance.
- Support for professional registrations, when required, through paid study materials, fees, study time, test time, exam fees, and licensure renewal fees.
Dave Michaelson, 573-526-5014 or dave.michaelson@dnr.mo.gov
Or
Aarick Roberto (Recruiter), 573-522-1503 or dnr.recruiter@dnr.mo.gov
Closing Date/Time: 2024-05-06
