Forest Pest Surveyor (Spongy Moth Hourly)
About The Position
Help protect Missouri’s forests from invasive pests by joining MDC’s Forest Health Program this summer! This position is a critical part of Missouri’s annual survey to detect spongy moth, a serious pest of oaks and many other native tree and shrub species. As a forest pest surveyor, you are assigned a multi-county area to place and monitor small triangular traps for spongy moth. You will work independently to set traps in a predetermined grid system within your area. This job involves a lot of driving in your MDC-assigned vehicle, so a valid driver’s license is required. Forest pest surveyors frequently traverse short distances of rough terrain to hang traps, but no long-distance hiking is expected or required. Occasional opportunities to cross-train with other staff at MDC are also available if you are interested in building your skills and network. Location of Job: Jackson, Clay & Platte counties Duration of Job: Start date of May 1 or May 18 with work through August 15, 2026 Number of Hours: Up to 40 hours per week
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED/HiSET required.
- At least one (1) year of related experience
- Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
- Ability to operate tools and equipment for building and land management.
- Ability to use office equipment, such as computer, calculator, camera, scanner and printer.
- Basic plant identification and wildlife habitat knowledge.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Frequently work in outdoor weather.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision
- Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
- Concentrated attention is required at all times.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Nice To Haves
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License helpful.
- Experience with prescribed burns, certification helpful.
Responsibilities
- Assemble, place, monitor, and collect 350-500 cardboard moth traps.
- Navigate between trap sites using maps.
- Record trap locations using a handheld tablet.
- Travel extensively throughout the assigned area using an MDC-provided vehicle.
- Communicate with the public in a courteous manner.
- Work independently, in remote areas, and in a variety of weather conditions.
- Handle occasional mechanical issues with assigned vehicle.
- Other duties, as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
