Wildlife Health Technician (Hourly)

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Health Technician plays a crucial role in supporting MDC wildlife disease surveillance by engaging with the public and MDC staff across the state of Missouri. The primary role consists of coordinating logistics for biological shipping, conducting quality assurance and quality control of biological samples from the regions, conducting general sick and dead wildlife responses by sampling or collecting fresh or decomposed animals, and other wildlife health surveillance projects as needed. Other aspects might include conducting outreach by assisting with MDC led workshops for MDC staff or for the public and assisting with prepping for various CWD Operations. This position is primarily in an office setting managing the wildlife health laboratory and running diagnostics on sick/dead wildlife.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, biology, or related field.
Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and in written formats.
Demonstrate the capacity to maintain a positive attitude in challenging circumstances.
Proficiency in prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.
Capable of working independently.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Effective time management to complete tasks by necessary deadlines.
Demonstration of a safety-oriented mindset.
Ability to communicate well with the public, team members, collaborators, and supervisors.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience running diagnostic laboratory equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate sampling logistics for statewide chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling efforts by receiving, processing, and organizing over 30,000 samples annually from hunter-harvested, sick, captive, and other cervids and assist with other operations as needed.
Coordinate logistics of statewide sick and dead wildlife response by responding directly to members of the public through email or phone calls, providing guidance to statewide staff, and directing specimen collection and submittal.
Organize submission of biologic samples by coordinating with diagnostic laboratories, preparing shipments, and reporting results.
Be able to run various laboratory diagnostic equipment that consists of prepping solutions and conducting laboratory testing on wildlife diseases. Have an understanding on sterile techniques and biohazards while working with wildlife diseases.
Enter, correct, summarize, and analyze wildlife health data using Microsoft Access, ArcPro GIS software, or state-run applications.
Always represent the department in a professional manner, especially during encounters with the public.
Respond to sick or dead wildlife calls and collect biologic samples from wildlife for disease testing, including CWD, avian influenza, hemorrhagic disease, mange and other diseases as needed, and lead or assist in necropsies.
Inventory supplies that are coming into the building and what is going out for wildlife disease testing.
Conducting outreach by participating in festivals or conducting workshops with MDC staff and the public.
Assist the state wildlife veterinarian in various research or necropsy of animals.
Other duties as assigned.