MD
Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly)
TEMPORARY•Columbia•$0k - $0k
About this role
Requisition Id: 4354
Salary: $16.58 - $20.31
Salary Grade: H4
Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)
Closing Date: February 27, 2026
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 the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor,Brandon L Brooke at [email protected] or at573 8157901x2891, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
This position will assist MDC’s Rare Fishes Program with ongoing research and monitoring of federally threatened Niangua Darter and other fish species of conservation concern. Job duties will primarily be related to the collection, management, and reporting of biological data and maintaining the equipment needed for conducting research and monitoring activities.
This position is expected to work full time throughout the summer field season from approximately May 16th to mid-August (start and end dates have flexibility).
Essential Job Duties
- Assist with ongoing surveys to monitor populations of endangered Niangua Darter and other stream fishes.
- The employee will be trained in a variety of field methods to sample these species of conservation concern, associated fish communities, and collect data describing habitat characteristics.
- Activities will include conducting fish distribution surveys in Ozark streams using snorkeling and seine methods, canoeing/kayaking to survey locations, habitat assessment, and data collection using various electronic instruments.
- Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
- Perform general maintenance on tools, gear, and equipment.
- Regular field trips, work extended or non-standard hours, and occasional overnight travel are required.
Ancillary Job Duties
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Two years of undergraduate education in one of the sciences (e.g., Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, or Biological Sciences).
- For longer-duration aquatic sampling positions, ability to pass an approved boating safety course, and obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card within 6 months of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, land maintenance equipment, power tools and large trucks pulling trailers.
- Ability to adapt to a variety of job situations often involving long hours, hazardous conditions and difficult circumstances.
- Ability to operate various types of hand tools and perform minor mechanical repairs on vehicles and equipment.
- Knowledge to perform minor repairs on buildings and utility systems.
- Ability to establish an effective working relationship with Department employees, Extension Agents, educational professionals, and community leaders.
Work Environment
- Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities
- Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Regularly operate tools and other machinery and relocate machinery to other areas.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
- Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
- Concentrated attention is required at all times.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Disclaimer
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.
What you'll do
- Assist with ongoing research and monitoring of federally threatened fish species, primarily the Niangua Darter. Duties include data collection, equipment maintenance, and conducting field surveys.
About MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
The Missouri Department of Conservation protects and manages the fish, forest and wildife resources of the state; serves the public and facilitates their participation in resource managment activities; and provides for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about fish, forest and wildlife resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION pay for a Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly)?
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION offers a competitive compensation package for the Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) role. The salary range is USD 0k - 0k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) do at MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION?
As a Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) at MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, you will: assist with ongoing research and monitoring of federally threatened fish species, primarily the Niangua Darter. Duties include data collection, equipment maintenance, and conducting field surveys..
Is the Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) position at MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION remote?
The Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) position at MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION is based in Columbia, Missouri, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) position at MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION?
You can apply for the Rare Fishes Program Assistant (Hourly) position at MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATIONdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.