Private Lands Deer Biologist

Private Lands Deer Biologist

Description:

Requisition Id: 3079

Salary: $56,304.00 - $70,272.00

Salary Grade: S9

Job Location: Central Regional Office and Research Center (Columbia, MO)

Closing Date: June 19, 2024

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- Jason Isabelle at Jason.Isabelle@mdc.mo.gov or at 573 8157901x2902. We'd love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Develop and administer the technical and applied basis for private land deer management programs and regulations consistent with the statewide deer program goals and processes.

Essential Job Duties

• Oversee and administer the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) including reviewing data, enrolling landowners, developing harvest management plans, and coordinating with Department staff and private landowners.
• Provide input on harvest regulations, management of Missouri's white-tailed deer population, and chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance and management efforts.
• Initiate, design, conduct, and coordinate research projects investigating a variety of topics pertaining to white-tailed deer ecology and management.
• Create, deliver, and provide input on technical and non-technical presentations and publications including scientifical journals, reports, hunting regulations booklets, webinars, websites, and popular articles.
• Develop and conduct trainings and workshops for private landowners, managers, and the public regarding private land deer management.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Serve as a Department technical expert on white-tailed deer ecology and management by providing science-based information to Department staff, partners, constituency groups, and the public.
• Communicate effectively with Department staff, partners, and stakeholders about white-tailed deer ecology and management.
• Serve as a member of Department and external committees, strategic initiative teams, and working groups.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Assist with chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance; may lead/coordinate portions of the Department's CWD surveillance and management programs.
• Assist with aerial and ground-based elk population surveys.
• Prepare cooperative agreements and budgets and monitor compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Biological Sciences, or closely related subjects.
• If successful candidate does not have a Master’s Degree, the required degree may be acquired on the job within a set period of time. MDC may provide tuition reimbursement per the Tuition Reimbursement Policy Guidelines.
• At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional experience with white-tailed deer management and research preferred.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Familiarity with GPS and GIS equipment.
• Ability to evaluate deer survey and harvest data to develop harvest management plans for private landowners.
• Knowledgeable about white-tailed deer biology and management.
• Knowledge of practices used to manage forested and open landcover types to create habitat for white-tailed deer.
• Knowledge of study design and statistical analysis.
• Ability to develop and present programs, presentations, and trainings to individuals and groups.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ecological principles to a variety of audiences.

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.
• Job will require periodic overnight travel in Missouri and occasional overnight travel out-of-state to attend regional conferences and meetings.

Physical Abilities

• Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Occasionally 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.
• Occasionally 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.

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.