Serve as the lead veterinarian and supervisor of the Conservation Health Section programs.

The Science Section Chief serves as the MDC lead in the collaboration and implementation of a multi-agency One Health Laboratory Campus while providing long-range planning and coordination of science program development using a One Health integrative framework.

Essential Job Duties

• Coordinate long-range planning efforts to guide research program development and decision-making.
• Implement policies and evaluate the accomplishments of Branch goals and objectives to ensure alignment with the Department’s Strategic Plan.
• Recruit and select, monitor performance, recognize achievements and provide appropriate disciplinary actions for staff.
• Oversee Agency’s response to wildlife health-related investigations, research and monitoring.
• Coordinate strategic planning related to health-related research, diseases surveillance and monitoring
• Provide guidance on development and implementation of regulations
• Oversee implementation and monitoring of fiscal budgets aligned with Department goals and Branch program objectives.
• Provide guidance on the development of Branch Program Objectives.
• Maintain contact and facilitate collaborations with cooperators (universities, state and federal agencies, NGOs, etc.) for research and monitoring activities.
• Maintain required licenses to practice veterinary medicine including required permits to prescribe controlled substances if the applicant holds a DVM. 
• Manage wildlife movement into the state of Missouri as required by the wildlife code.
• Manage the Chronic Wasting Disease test requirements for the Captive Cervid Industry
• Direct the MDC One Health Laboratory campus
• Manage the implementation of the Controlled substances program within the agency.
• Support Scientists with wildlife capture and field surgeries
• Supervise and provide technical aquatic health information and prescriptions for the hatchery system

Ancillary Job Duties

• Serves on national, statewide or department wide committees as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Agriculture, Medical Technology, Natural Resource Science, or closely related field.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, preferred.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience, three (3) years which must have been in a supervisory position over salaried employees and progressive administrative responsibilities.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of science sufficient to direct research in wildlife, forestry, ecology, or fisheries.
• Ability to administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Department’s mission.
• Ability to be flexible in adapting to changing conditions, organization and emphasis.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem
• Knowledge to develop a strong vision and connection with the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit by developing an integrated fish and wildlife unit capable of meeting MDC and other stakeholder needs.
• Ability to develop and implement effective strategies consistent with the Department’s vision and mission.
• Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships throughout the Department and externally with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department.
• Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers.
• Ability to maintain a productive, team-oriented atmosphere among peers and subordinates.
• Ability to serve as liaison with universities and colleges and develop a strong professional, collaborative relationship.
• Ability to support and promote technological advances in science and business processes.
• Knowledge of business processes and ability to integrate them into decision making.
• Ability to understand complex resource issues beyond individual training or background and demonstrate the ability to include stakeholders in the process of developing conservation strategies.
• Knowledge to understand concepts and principles of Structured Decision Making and Adaptive Resources Management.
• Knowledge to understand the regulations process and become familiar with Wildlife Code to develop regulation strategies and formulation of specific regulations that may affect various parts of the Code.

Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in a standard laboratory or office environment.

Physical Abilities

• Remain in a stationary position 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision and three-dimensional vision.
• Regularly life up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.