Forest Pest Surveyor (Spongy Moth Hourly)
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Job Location:
Kansas City, KS - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
11 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Requisition Id:4461
Salary: 16.58 - 20.31
Salary Grade: H4
Job Location: Kansas City Regional Office (LEESS2)
Closing Date: March 29 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 supervisorRoberta R Doerhoffat atx2906 during regular business would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
Help protect Missouris forests from invasive pests by joining MDCs Forest Health Program this summer! This position is a critical part of Missouris annual survey to detect spongy moth a serious pest of oaks and many other native tree and shrub species. As a forest pest surveyor you are assigned a multi-county area to place and monitor small triangular traps for spongy moth. You will work independently to set traps in a predetermined grid system within your area. This job involves a lot of driving in your MDC-assigned vehicle so a valid drivers license is required. Forest pest surveyors frequently traverse short distances of rough terrain to hang traps but no long-distance hiking is expected or required. Occasional opportunities to cross-train with other staff at MDC are also available if you are interested in building your skills and network.
Location of Job: Jackson Clay & Platte counties
Duration of Job: Start date of May 1 or May 18 with work through August 15 2026
Number of Hours: Up to 40 hours per week
Essential Job Duties
- Assemble place monitor and collect 350-500 cardboard moth traps.
- Navigate between trap sites using maps.
- Record trap locations using a handheld tablet.
- Travel extensively throughout the assigned area using an MDC-provided vehicle.
- Communicate with the public in a courteous manner.
- Work independently in remote areas and in a variety of weather conditions.
- Handle occasional mechanical issues with assigned vehicle.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED/HiSET required.
- At least one (1) year of related experience
- Must maintain a valid current drivers license.
- Commercial Pesticide Applicators License helpful.
- Experience with prescribed burns certification helpful.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Ability to operate tools and equipment for building and land management.
- Ability to use office equipment such as computer calculator camera scanner and printer.
- Basic plant identification and wildlife habitat knowledge.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Work Environment
- Frequently work in outdoor weather.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities
- Move about grounds both inside and outside of buildings.
- Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more and three-dimensional vision
- Regularly lift up to 5 pounds correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
- Concentrated attention is required at all times.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Disclaimer
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 Nonexemptaccording to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Departments 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.
