Wildlife Health Technician (HOURLY)
About The Position
The Wildlife Health Technician supports the Missouri Department of Conservation’s wildlife disease surveillance throughout Missouri. The role coordinates biological sample shipping and statewide sampling logistics, performs quality assurance and quality control on samples, responds to sick and dead wildlife reports, and supports other wildlife health surveillance projects. The position is primarily office-based, managing the wildlife health laboratory and running diagnostics on sick and dead wildlife, with work also taking place outdoors, in vehicles, garage bays, and necropsy and laboratory environments. The technician coordinates chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling and processes more than 30,000 samples annually from hunter-harvested, sick, captive, and other cervids. The role also organizes biological sample submissions to diagnostic laboratories, prepares shipments, reports results, maintains inventory, and enters, corrects, summarizes, and analyzes wildlife health data. It includes responding to the public and staff, collecting samples, assisting with necropsies and research, and participating in outreach workshops or festivals. The position requires occasional overnight travel and solitary travel to businesses and residences, including remote locations. Employees must accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments under the department’s overtime policy. A mobile device may be needed for department business. The department maintains a tobacco-free workplace.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
- Maintain a valid, current driver’s license.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Maintain a positive attitude in challenging circumstances.
- Prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.
- Work independently.
- Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrate a safety-oriented mindset.
- Communicate effectively with the public, team members, collaborators, and supervisors.
- Regular attendance.
- Maintain a stationary position for approximately 70% of work-task duration.
- Operate a computer and various office equipment.
- Regularly lift up to 30 pounds and correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
- Maintain concentrated attention consistently throughout work tasks.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience operating diagnostic laboratory equipment.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate logistics for statewide CWD sampling efforts, receiving, processing, and organizing more than 30,000 samples annually.
- Coordinate statewide responses to sick and dead wildlife by communicating with the public and staff, providing guidance, and directing specimen collection and submission.
- Coordinate biological sample submissions with diagnostic laboratories, prepare shipments, and report results.
- Operate laboratory diagnostic equipment, prepare solutions, and conduct wildlife disease testing using sterile techniques and appropriate biohazard awareness.
- Enter, correct, summarize, and analyze wildlife health data using Microsoft Access, ArcPro GIS software, or state-run applications.
- Represent the department professionally, especially when interacting with the public.
- Respond to sick or dead wildlife calls and collect biological samples for testing for CWD, avian influenza, hemorrhagic disease, mange, and other diseases as needed.
- Lead or assist with necropsies.
- Inventory supplies received and distributed for wildlife disease testing.
- Participate in outreach festivals and conduct or assist with workshops for MDC staff and the public.
- Assist the state wildlife veterinarian with research or animal necropsies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
