Forest Health Technician ( Hourly)

Requisition Id: 3578 

Hourly Pay Rate: $22.11

Hourly Pay Grade: H7 

Expected Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm with some flexibility

Job Location:  Southeast Regional Office (CAPEG1) 

Closing Date: 3/24/2025

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 this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, ​Roberta R Doerhoff , at Robbie.Doerhoff@mdc.mo.gov or call 573 8157901x2906 , Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.

Summary/Objective

Help protect Missouri’s trees and forests by joining MDC’s Forest Health Program! This position is a critical part of monitoring for invasive forest pests, tracking unintended herbicide injury, and contributing to research efforts with Post Oak Decline. As the forest health technician, you will work independently to complete assigned tasks within your area. You will frequently traverse rough terrain to conduct monitoring and research activities. This job also involves a lot of driving in your MDC-assigned vehicle, so a valid driver’s license is required. Occasional opportunities to cross-train with other staff at MDC are also available if you are interested in building your skills and network.

Duration of Job: Approx. August 16, 2025 through February 15, 2026                                                          

Number of Hours: Up to 40 hours per week with some flexibility

Essential Job Duties

• Assist with established research and monitoring projects.
• Follow written protocol and verbal instructions.
• Assemble, place, monitor, and collect various types of forest pest traps (training provided).
• Navigate between monitoring and research sites using maps.
• Record site locations using a GPS unit and/or handheld tablet. 
• Keep extensive electronic records.
• Prepare and present results.
• Travel extensively throughout the assigned area using an MDC-provided vehicle.
• Occasional overnight travel (MDC covers costs).  
• 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. 

Ancillary Job Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field.
• One (1) year interpretation and/or teaching experience.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
• Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours.
• Attention to detail.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Record keeping.
• Capable of communicating with the public in a courteous manner.
• Ability to use assigned GPS unit and tablet after instruction.
• Must possess basic map reading and navigation skills.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours, as needed.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight occasionally.

Work Environment

• Frequently work in outdoor weather.
• Frequently work in remote areas and alone.
• Frequently work along roadsides and traverse road ditches.

Physical Abilities

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery to other areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 25 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• 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.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy. 

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed. 

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.  All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.