Seasonal 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 may be mid-February through November of 2026 and will be working some weekends and holidays. If the chosen candidate requires, we may be able to work with the candidates’ availability during the assignment period.

• Perform natural resource stewardship activities outdoors independently and with a team including invasive species control, ecological restoration, prescribed burn unit preparation, and plant and wildlife surveying/monitoring. Assist the Natural Resource Ecologist with other stewardship activities as assigned.
• Operate and maintain various equipment including (but not limited to) backpack sprayers, weed eaters, brush cutters, hand tools, chainsaws, trucks, etc.
• Attend and learn from basic training on a variety of potential topics including but not limited to natural resource management, botany, ecology, and equipment operation to perform job duties.
• Understand and follow policies.
• Provide excellent customer service to park visitors.
• May work with or lead other seasonal employees, volunteer groups, and school groups to carry out stewardship activities.
• May occasionally assist with trail maintenance, park operations, and public interpretation/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 : Cares for our resources; protects and preserves Missouri’s natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy.
• Conscientiousness : Displays a high level of effort and commitment towards performing work; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Botany : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of plants, including structures and functions, classification, taxonomy, plant communities, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, conservation, and care of plant species.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience/Special Job Requirements:

• Willing to work in any type of weather outdoors every day, from inclement weather to hot and humid summer days.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Hard working, have the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• 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 preferred.
• MDC Level 1 fire training or equivalent to help on prescribed fires, preferred.

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.

Kayla Kapral at 636-528-7247 or kayla.kapral@dnr.mo.gov

Or

Sally Namassy, Recruiter at dnr.recruiter@dnr.mo.gov

• 

• State of Missouri

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