Forest Health Technician (Post Oak Decline Hourly)

Requisition Id: 4505

Salary: $22.11 - $27.59

Salary Grade: H7

Job Location: Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2)

Closing Date: May 17, 2026

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.

To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor,Sara R Lalk at Sara.Lalk@mdc.mo.gov or at573 8157901x2908, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Help protect Missouri’s trees and forests by joining MDC’s Forest Health Program! This position is a critical contributor to Post Oak Decline research efforts. As the forest health technician, you will work both independently and in small team settings. Work will consist of establishing, surveying, and collecting data and samples in forest research plots during the growing season and assisting with sample processing in a laboratory setting during the remainder of the year. You will consistently traverse rough terrain and be exposed to high outdoor temperatures for growing season forest survey activities. This job also involves a lot of driving in your MDC-assigned vehicle, so a valid driver’s license is required. Occasional opportunities to cross-train with other staff at MDC are also available if you are interested in building your skills and network.

• Travel extensively statewide using an MDC-provided vehicle.
• Stay overnight frequently July-Sept (MDC covers costs).
• Work independently, in remote areas, and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Handle occasional mechanical issues with assigned vehicle.
• Follow written protocol and verbal instructions.
• Navigate between research sites using maps.
• Record site locations using a GPS unit and/or handheld tablet.
• Establish, survey, and collect data in forest research plots (training provided).
• Collect and enter data.
• Conduct laboratory research under supervision including log sample processing, media preparation, fungal culturing, and fungal culture maintenance.
• Assist with sample archiving, disposal preparation, storage, organization, and clean up.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous manner.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Natural Resources, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field.
• One (1) year of conservation or plant pathology-related professional experience.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

• General understanding of fungal biology.
• General understanding of aseptic technique.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, scanner, and computer.
• General identification knowledge of most Missouri tree species.
• Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight as needed during July - September.
• Ability to work varying hours and shifts.
• Must possess basic map reading and navigation skills.
• Ability to use assigned GPS unit and tablet after instruction.
• Capable of communicating with the public in a courteous manner.
• Excellent record keeping skills, including lab notebooks and digital data entry.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.

• Frequently work in outdoor weather.
• Frequently work in remote areas and alone.
• Laboratory environment.

• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery to other areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 25 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire 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 employment 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.