Bat and Cave Science Assistant

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Jefferson City, MO

3d•$20 - $25

About The Position

The Missouri Department of Conservation has an opening for one full-time science assistant to assist with bat surveys (mist netting, harp trapping, hibernacula surveys) and subterranean (cave and mine) bio-surveys. Currently for this position, we have funding through the end of June 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field and 1 year of relevant experience.
Federal United States Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Permit for northern long-eared bats, gray bats, and Indiana bats OR equivalent experience to be able to obtain permit (please include handling resume as part of regular resume)
Current rabies titer check within the past year (please send in rabies titer check when submitting resume).
Experience with radio transmitters on bats, as well as conducting radio telemetry.
Experience with surveying wildlife in subterranean habitats or being comfortable with surveying wildlife in subterranean habitats.
Willingness and ability to travel overnight throughout Missouri
Ability to accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks.
Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.
Ability to analyze relevant information and solve problems
Ability to maintain focus and a positive attitude under adversity
Demonstration of a safety-orientated mindset
Ability to communicate well with team members, collaborators, and supervisors.
Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
Knowledge of ecology and natural systems
Skill in verbal and written communication and coordination.
Ability to work in teams and manage projects.
Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner and computer.
Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ArcGIS Pro, and other software tools
Ability to travel within Missouri and stay overnight frequently during the summer.
Ability to work outdoors overnight.
Ability to work in subterranean environments.
Ability to work varying shifts and hours.
Ability to operate ATVs and UTVs.
Ability to drive trucks towing ATV/UTV trailers on field roads.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team to conduct mist netting and harp trapping for bats.
Conduct underground bio-inventory surveys in caves and mines, especially for hibernating bat populations.
Assist with mist netting and/or harp trapping surveys targeting all bat species known to Missouri, including but not limited to northern long-eared bats, Indiana bats, tricolored bats, little brown bats, eastern small-footed bats, and gray bats.
Assist with radio telemetry and acoustic surveys as needed
Operate 4WD vehicle with trailer, and ATVs or UTVs, on field roads and rugged terrain.
Navigate to netting sites using GPS units and maps.
Travel to areas across Missouri, for multiple days per week. Lodging and food will be provided when traveling.
Inventory and maintain supplies and equipment.
Maintain detailed survey records.
Compile, organize, and analyze survey data, including geospatial data, and assist with preparing reports.
Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
Carry 50+ lbs of equipment over rugged, uneven terrain (up to ¼ mile).
Work outdoors in extreme and undesirable conditions (e.g., hot temperatures, high humidity, exposure to mosquitos and ticks, overnight hours, underground (in caves and underground mines)).
Other duties as assigned.