Stewardship Naturalist

We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : stewardship, integrity, collaboration, respect and innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its’ citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

This position will be located at Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Route 147, Troy, Missouri. This position will assist staff in preserving and protecting the natural ecosystem of the park.

The duration of the assignment will be April through November of 2025 and will be working some weekends and holidays. If the chosen candidate is in school, we will work with the candidates’ availability during the assignment period.

• Perform natural resource stewardship activities independently and with a team including invasive species control, ecological restoration, and plant and wildlife surveying/monitoring. Assist the Natural Resource Ecologist with other stewardship activities as assigned.
• Provide excellent customer service to park visitors.
• Operate and maintain various equipment including (but not limited to) backpack sprayers, weed eaters, brush cutters, hand tools, chainsaws, trucks, etc.
• May work with or lead other seasonal employees, volunteer groups, and school groups to carry out stewardship activities.
• May occasionally assist Park Naturalist with presenting educational programs.
• Expected to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings.

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:

• Physical Strength and Agility: Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.
• Stewardship (Resources) : Basic knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of natural and cultural features along with special ecological stewardship requirements; capable of gaining experience in performing stewardship tasks required for strenuous outdoor work; ability to appear before the public, makes clear and convincing oral presentations; give out general information, conduct interpretive educational programs and conduct tours about natural and cultural history in an effective way; assist in supervising, recruiting, training and evaluating seasonal and volunteer staff.
• Wildlife Biology : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of wildlife, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of wildlife.
• Computer Skills : Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience/Special Job Requirements:

• Experience with power equipment (i.e. brush cutter, chainsaw, backpack sprayers, etc.) preferred [Needed trainings will be provided].
• Attending a college or university with at least a freshman standing and majoring in any of the natural sciences, history, cultural resource management, outdoor recreation, or interpretive services
• Not required, but MDC Level 1 fire training or equivalent to help on prescribed fires. Training will be provided.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Willing to work in any type of weather, from rain to hot and humid summer days.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Hard working, have the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Experience to be gained:

• Ability to perform and identify various practices in natural resource management across a variety of Missouri's natural communities.
• Ability to identify native and exotic plants and knowledge of best management practices with invasive species.
• Ability to operate and maintain common equipment utilized in the field of conservation.

• 

• State of Missouri

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