A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Biologist 

Craig Williamson is a wildlife biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

COMO Magazine’s “Day in the Life” series features Columbia pros (and amateurs) who do their part to keep the globe spinning and make life better for the rest of us — often in ways we don’t realize. We especially appreciate opportunities to tell our readers more about individuals and organizations that most of us aren’t familiar with. 

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Please give us a description of your responsibilities. I serve as a wildlife biologist in MDC’s Central Region, overseeing public lands in Boone and Audrain counties — which includes Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area south of Columbia, and Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area in Callaway County. My primary focus is managing and maintaining diverse natural plant communities and habitats at various stages of successional development. The goal is to create functioning ecosystems that support wildlife and provide enriching outdoor opportunities for the public. 

For a wildlife biologist, overseeing the EBCA must be an incredibly cool gig. Tell us about that. Managing Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is truly a privilege. It’s one of the most visited conservation areas in Missouri, attracting a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts — bird watchers, hikers, hunters, anglers, trappers, cyclists, and photographers. The area is constantly evolving, shaped by seasonal shifts and occasional flooding, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Our top priority is providing ample habitat and food sources for migrating birds, ensuring they have the resources they need on their journeys.  

Give us a quick overview of what Eagle Bluffs is. What will visitors find there? Eagle Bluffs is one of Missouri’s fifteen intensively managed wetlands, covering 4,429 acres of breathtaking landscapes. Visitors will find a rich variety of habitats, including emergent marshes, moist soil areas, agricultural fields, bottomland forests, upland forests, grasslands, and old field environments. The area is teeming with wildlife, making it an exceptional destination for hiking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, and photography.  

Give us a few tips for making the most out of visiting and experiencing Eagle Bluffs. The best experience depends on your interests, but for many visitors, the draw is the incredible diversity of migrating birds. To fully appreciate this spectacle, bring high-quality binoculars or a camera with a good zoom lens. The largest bird migrations occur in the spring and fall, so timing your visit during these seasons will maximize your chances of seeing an impressive variety of species.  

Eagle Bluffs is currently undergoing changes. What’s happening there? Water is a critical resource at Eagle Bluffs, and we draw it from four sources: natural precipitation and groundwater, water pumped from Perche Creek, treated wastewater from the city of Columbia’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, and pumped water from the Missouri River. Right now, we are in the process of replacing our two electric water pumps, which have been in service since the area was established. Along with installing new pumps, we’re upgrading the surrounding electrical infrastructure. Meanwhile, the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is undergoing renovations, temporarily preventing it from sending treated water to Eagle Bluffs. This means pools 1–15 remain dry for now. While this poses some short-term habitat challenges, it also offers opportunities. We are taking advantage of the dry conditions to remove silt buildup in certain pools, improve water movement, and repair flood damage sustained in 2019. Once the pumps are operational and the city resumes sending water, Eagle Bluffs will be in better shape than ever, ensuring reliable water sources for years to come.  

Are you concerned that waterfowl and other wildlife might not return? Not at all. Missouri is fortunate to have extensive high-quality habitats across both public and private lands. If conditions at Eagle Bluffs temporarily fall short of wildlife needs, migrating birds will simply adjust their routes — but they’ll return when habitat conditions improve. Some reptiles and mammals may experience temporary displacement, but wildlife is incredibly adaptable to change.  

Describe a typical day in your role. There’s no such thing as a truly “typical” day, but each season brings its own routines. My team and I are constantly working to enhance habitats and foster biodiversity. Daily tasks may include water level management, invasive species control, maintenance of the conservation area and equipment, administrative duties, and strategic planning.  

Nature is unpredictable. What kinds of unexpected challenges do you deal with? Floods, droughts, and equipment failures are some of the most common unpredictable challenges we face. We have plans in place to address these events, but each situation presents unique obstacles that require careful problem-solving and adaptation.  

What’s one task you absolutely won’t be distracted from? Water level management is paramount at Eagle Bluffs. We begin slowly flooding the area in mid-August, continuing through early January, so migrating birds have steady access to food and habitats throughout the fall. The slow increase ensures optimal conditions for birds, as they rely on seeds and grain for carbohydrates during migration. In spring, we gradually lower water levels — no more than an inch every two days — allowing birds to access newly exposed shallow areas as insect populations emerge. Since water level timing influences plant germination, we carefully regulate this process to encourage a diverse range of vegetation that supports wildlife food sources.  

What drew you to working for the Missouri Department of Conservation and Eagle Bluffs? Like many MDC employees, I have a deep passion for the outdoors. Growing up hunting and fishing, I developed a profound appreciation for Missouri’s natural resources. Working as a wildlife biologist allows me to collaborate with a talented team, actively shape habitats, and witness firsthand how wildlife benefits from our efforts. It’s incredibly rewarding.  

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be? I’ve been with MDC since 1999 — first in a part-time role, then full-time since 2008. I’ve been fortunate to have a fulfilling career across multiple MDC divisions, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.  

What’s lunch looking like today? I’m always snacking throughout the day, but if I’m grabbing a meal, Panchero’s is a solid choice.  

What do people misunderstand about your job? Most don’t realize just how many roles we juggle! This job requires us to wear multiple hats, and the variety of responsibilities is remarkable.  

What time does your workday end? There’s no fixed schedule — it depends on the season and current projects. In fall, I’m up at 4 a.m. for the morning duck draw, and winter CWD (chronic wasting disease) efforts can have me working until well past midnight. Wildfire response has even required me to work over twenty-four hours straight. No two days are the same!  

What’s for dinner tonight, and who’s joining you? At home, we eat plenty of wild game, and we also raise chickens. Dinner is shared with my wife and two kids.  

How do you unwind in the evening? I take care of the chickens, shoot hoops with my kids, and make sure I get plenty of sleep — I usually turn in when the sun goes down.