JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Resource Scientist -- Term ORGANIZATION: Missouri Department of Conservation POSITION TITLE: Ecological Classification System Coordinator JOB NUMBER: 2014-029 LOCATION: Columbia, Missouri DURATION OF POSITION: This is a two year term position. CLOSING DATE: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 SALARY RANGE: $40,140-70,812
The full job announcement can be found on the MDC website: https://mdc5.mdc.mo.gov/recruitment/JobDetail.aspx?intPstID=1418 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: ECS Project Management: The Ecological Classification System (ECS) project is a multidisciplinary effort involving extensive collaboration with ecologists, soil scientists, and managers from MDC, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Missouri Department of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, and University of Missouri. Position provides administration of the ECS project and overall leadership among partners. Coordinates with the NRCS on project development, manages the cooperative agreement with NRCS, and manages a service contract with Southern Illinois University (SIU) that provides two field ecologists, oversees two contract ecologists and contract field crews, reports quarterly status to cooperators and MDC. ECS Fieldwork: Works with contract field ecologists to develop and validate ecological site concepts based upon relationships between soil, landscape factors, and vegetation, establishes permanent reference plots, and develops/adapts sampling protocols. The field ecologists typically spend three to four weeks of each month traveling throughout Missouri, with each week’s trip lasting about three days. Trips entail long days spent in the field hiking steep terrain while carrying sampling gear in potentially harsh weather conditions. The ECS Coordinator will not travel with the ecologists on every trip but are expected to participate in some. Information Transfer: Serves as program facilitator for various Department conservation planning teams, prepares and develops strategic and operational plans for assigned program areas. Meets with appropriate Resource Science Division personnel, regional representatives, and other Department divisions to identify and discuss resource issues, meets annually with Division administration to help develop and prioritize objectives. Develops strategies that will help meet Division objectives, monitors progress, and reports accomplishment for assigned program areas. Promotes the dissemination of information thru various media outlets to the public within MDC and to other agencies. Administration: Performs a variety of administrative tasks including providing information and written responses to requests from Division Leadership, and other Department staff; prepares special reports on assigned topics; handles routine correspondence; represents the Division and Department through contact, special interest groups, civic and professional organizations; represents Resource Science Division on committees; and assists with training, development, and implementation of workshops. Promotes the integration of adaptive resource management into science projects and management activities as a way of doing business. ECS Integration: Coordinates multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, aquatic and terrestrial system and community level, environmental health scientific projects and service with partners such as USFWS, EPA, CERC, Corps of Engineers and USGS, other state agencies such as DNR and NRCS, and State Universities to discuss and develop scientific partnerships. Provides input into planned or ongoing projects, Coordinates with cooperating agencies, negotiates funding agreements, develops project proposals, supervises agreements and contracted work, critically reviews research proposals and reports, administers contracts and funding. QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Science degree in Geography, Ecology, Botany, Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, Forestry, Zoology or closely related field or the equivalent and at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in research and/or management experience, Knowledge of Missouri’s plants and terrestrial communities, and two (2) years of field sampling experience. Strong background in terrestrial ecology and ecological principles, research study and sample design with emphasis on temporal and spatial sampling, computer science, GIS and statistics is preferred. Educational background in both natural resources and GIS are highly desirable. CORE COMPETENCIES AND SPECIAL ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Ability to: Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks. Use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs. Keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers. Administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Department’s mission. Accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress. Coach and challenge others to achieve their potential. Identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department. Define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem. Maintain focus and intensity, and remain optimistic and persistent even under adversity. Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships. Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility. Create and sustain an atmosphere in which timely, quality information flows between self and others, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner whether one-on-one or within or before groups. Take a long-term view of the Department’s or unit’s direction and articulate a vision which integrates key program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Administer human resources management principles in a manner which instills public and employee trust, maximizes employee potential, and fosters high ethical standards in meeting the Department’s mission. Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance. Possess a working knowledge of GIS/GPS. Express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Give overall guidance and direction to hourly staff and assure projects are carried out in achieving an efficient and productive operation. Ability to work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity. Operate a motor vehicle. Obtain a valid Driver License by date of hire. Make multiple overnight trips on a weekly basis throughout the year. Able to work long days (i.e., greater than eight hours), evenings, Saturdays and Sundays when needed. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position has been determined to be exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time off in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department’s Compensatory Time Off and Overtime policy. Smoking is prohibited in all owned, rented or leased Department of Conservation offices, buildings, and similar facilities, in Department aircraft, and in vehicles. The Department of Conservation will hire only 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 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. TO APPLY: Apply on-line at: http://www.mdc.mo.gov/about/jobs
