Biological Science Aide
Big Muddy NFWR, a growing refuge, currently consists of about 18,000 acres in 11 units located along the Missouri River, between Kansas City and St. Louis. The duty station for these positions is the Refuge office in Columbia, Missouri. No refuge housing is available.
Applicants must be able to identify plants, learn to identify invasive species, be able to pass the state herbicide applicator exam, and be able to carry a backpack sprayer (approximately 35 lbs.). Those with back or heart problems, allergies, or other medical conditions are advised that this is physically demanding work in the outdoors. Work will include walking several miles a day, sometimes with a backpack sprayer. A medical surveillance physical will be required to ensure that personnel are medically fit to accomplish their assigned tasks.Duties of the positions include:
- Inventory and map invasive plant populations on the refuge. Complete field surveys and record locations with GPS (global positioning system unit) of invasive plant species found on the refuge. Map plant populations in GIS (geographic information system – Arcmap/Arcview). Control invasive species through herbicide application and hand pulling.
- Conduct field surveys of small wetlands for amphibians. Conduct field surveys for Hymenoptera (native bees and wasps). Identify specimens collected in the field and preserve and prepare them for display purposes. Enter field data into a wildlife database and GIS.
- Assist biologists in field surveys for amphibians, birds and turtles.
- Other duties include trail maintenance, posting refuge boundaries, litter clean-up, and general refuge maintenance and miscellaneous office tasks associated with the work.
