State Wildlife Missouri Department of Conservation Central Regional Conservation Research Center, Columbia

Salary Range: $45,588 - $80,484

Duties and Responsibilities: Plans, directs, coordinates, and implements statewide programs for the prevention, detection, control, and management of emerging and known diseases occurring in wildlife populations (e.g., chronic wasting disease, , ). Directs the Department’s development of strategies for prevention, detection, control, and eradication of wildlife diseases. Monitors potential wildlife disease patterns and prioritizes disease areas requiring epidemiological investigation in order that resources for disease control are utilized for the most severe and/or preventable risk factors. Analyzes data using principles of and biostatistics to assess effectiveness of wildlife disease surveillance and management measure. Identifies risk factors for disease introduction and transmission. Serves as the Department specialist/spokesperson on wildlife and disease issues. Provides presentations on Department activities in wildlife disease surveillance and management at professional conferences and regional or national meetings. Coordinate and administer statewide outreach and education programs regarding wildlife health and disease issues. Provides frequent and often last minute information requests to the Commission, Administration, Divisions, Legislators, and the public on a wide variety of wildlife health related topics. Gives frequent presentations to MDC Commission, Regulations Committee, and Resource Division Chiefs, and may be required to provide testimony at legislative hearings or court cases. Works on highly contentious and often highly sensitive matters, generally collaborating with Administration on these assignments. Prepares Order of Rulemaking for Missouri Wildlife Code as necessary to prevent, monitor and manage diseases in wildlife. Acts as a liaison to, and recommend and develop professional working agreements with other agencies and institutions, such as the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Association, to enhance efforts to address wildlife diseases, and where necessary, to obtain diagnostic and other professional services. Represents the agency at both technical and policy levels regarding wildlife disease issues, and advises Administration on courses of action when collaborating with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Department of Public Health, and other state or federal agencies on wildlife population disease management and possible health issues. Collaborates with local, state, federal, and university officials and researchers to address concerns about the impact of wildlife diseases on public and domestic health. Interfaces with other stakeholders including the Missouri Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri College of Veterinary , and other community and environmental groups on matters pertaining to MDC initiatives or programs. Designs, conducts, and supervises wildlife health research projects. See job announcement for more information on job duties.

Qualifications Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Fish and Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, or a related field and one year of work for a state or federal natural resource management agency, or completed a residency in wildlife veterinary, conservation medicine, or zoological veterinary medicine.

Licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine in Missouri or ability to obtain a license in the first 6 months. Must be eligible for DEA Controlled Substance Registration Certificate. Must have USDA accreditation. Must have a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) certificate or must be eligible for the certificate.

Apply at: https://mdc6.mdc.mo.gov/applications/recruitment/JobDetail.aspx?intPstID=1977

Contact Vince Travnichek, Research Center Chief, Missouri Department of Conservation for more information 573-815-7901 ext. 2889