Cave Biology Ass't Position Announcement

[Cheryl Jones]

Position Announcement, Missouri Department of Conservation

Job Title: Cave Biology Assistant, Conservation Headquarters, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Closes Sept. 7, 2007.

Salary
CS-13 (Resource Science Assistant), $10.97 per hour, maximum of 1458 hours (9 months).

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work under the supervision of the Department's cave biologist on scientific and conservation projects, including cave gating, bat census and biogeography (25%).
2. Sort and identify invertebrate collections, ship specimens to taxonomists and maintain correspondence (10-20%).
3. Assist in biological surveys of caves; identify cave life and record data on forms and maps (15%).
4. Enter data into the Missouri Cave Life Database, the Natural Heritage Database, the MDC Cave Database, and GIS (10%).
5. Help maintain the Cave Biology office and the Cave Lab, caving gear and literature collection (10%).
6. Respond to public information requests about caves, karst and bats (10%).
7. Assist in lectures, outreach programs, and field trips (10-20%).

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in a biological or earth science is preferred. Students in their last year of a bachelor's program in science also ma may apply. You may include any additional qualifications. At least two written recommendations from faculty or employers are required.

Additional Qualifications: Preferably experience or courses in entomology, invertebrate zoology, bats, writing, caving, cave gating, databases, GIS, photography, videography.

Core Competencies and Special Ability Requirements

Ability to:

Work in totally dark caves with cramped spaces and chilly, wet, muddy conditions.
Work outside in adverse weather conditions and perform tasks requiring strenuous physical activity.

Climb steep, slippery terrain with thick vegetation.
Learn new physical and observational skills. Caving gear will be provided except for boots and clothing.
Reside within a 40-mile radius of Jefferson City.
Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
Obtain a current, valid driver license by the date of employment.
Work Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when needed.
Keep an accurate record of supplies, services and time reports.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position has been determined to be nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Applicants must agree to accept compensatory time off in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Departmentâ??s Compensansatory 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 interns will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates must submit to a drug screen following offer of internship.

The position may be filled between September and November, 2007, and will end by June 15, 2007.

To apply for this position, please mail or email your resume and letters of recommendation to:

Dr. William R. (Bill) Elliott, Resource Scientist
Resource Science Division
Jefferson City, MO
573/522-4115, ext. 3194
Bill.Elliott@mdc.mo.gov