Department Of Natural Resources

The DNR Director’s Award is an opportunity for the Director to recognize outstanding team members throughout the year.

How to nominate: There is no formal nomination process for this award. The Director will consider DNR Team Member of the Month nominations or other team members brought to their attention for this award. 

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member can recommend another DNR team member to the Director for consideration.

Reward: Team members who are selected will receive a Recognition and Coin Certificate and a choice between 8 hours of administrative leave with pay or a 4% temporary salary advancement (for one month). Recipients will also be featured in the DNR Weekly Update, on the DNR Intranet, and on the department’s social media channels.

The Carol Cares Award will go to team members who are nominated for demonstrating acts of kindness, going above and beyond for another DNR team member or for their community.

How to nominate: Any DNR team member can nominate another team member by sending an email to the Mental Health Awareness Group member in their section and they will then vote on will receive the award.

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member can recommend another DNR team member.

Reward: Team members who are selected will receive a Commemorative coin.

The Team member of the month recognizes a team member who:

NOTE: To be considered, team members may not have any disciplinary action pending or taken within the previous 6 months.

How to nominate: Complete and submit a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and send it to an Agency Coordinator (HR Administrative Professional) by the end of the month. Each nomination will be considered for 3 consecutive months. NOTE: Since this is an intranet (internal) webpage, only state employees will be able to utilize this form of recognition.

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member can nominate another DNR team member.

Reward: Team members who are selected as Team Member of the Month will get a plaque, a letter, recognition from the Director, a choice between a 4% increase in pay for one month or 8 hours of administrative leave, and a parking pass for the month (if team member is located in the Lewis and Clark Office Building). In addition, they will get public recognition on the DNR intranet, featured in a press release to be shared with the team member’s local media, and their picture will be displayed on the first floor lobby of the Lewis and Clark Office Building.

Team Member of the Year recognizes a DNR team member who has provided outstanding service to the citizens of Missouri. All DNR Team Members of the Month will be considered for Team Member of the Year.  

How to nominate: There is no nomination process. The DNR Team Member of the Year will be one of the past Team Member of the Month recipients.

Reward: Team members who are selected as Team Member of the Year will get a plaque, a letter, recognition from the Director, a choice between a 4% increase in pay for one month or 8 hours of administrative leave, a proclamation from the Governor’s Office, and an award ceremony (which local legislators will be notified of and invited to). In addition, they will get public recognition on the DNR intranet, featured in a press release to be shared with the team member’s local media, and their picture will be displayed on the first floor lobby of the Lewis and Clark Office Building. The nominator will also receive 4 hours of administrative leave.

The All-Star Administrative Award recognizes an administrative professional support team member whose work or performance:

The Department will select up to 5 team members twice a year, and the recipients will be announced when the Administrative Professional Training Conference or meeting is held in the spring and fall. To be eligible, team members must be an administrative professional who has no disciplinary action pending or taken within the previous 6 months. 

How to nominate: Complete an All-Star Administrative Award Nomination Form and submit it to the All-Star Administrative Award Coordinator in the Human Resource Program. All nominations are active for the months between spring and fall conferences and their respective deadlines. If the person you nominated is not selected, you can resubmit the nomination form for reconsideration.

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member can nominate any another DNR team member for this award. The only requirement is that the nominator is aware of the work being performed by the team member.

Reward: Selected team members will be presented a framed certificate at the DNR Administrative Professional Conference by the Director (or designee), will have a choice between 4 hours of administrative leave (with supervisor’s approval) or a 2% temporary salary increase for one month, and will be considered for the Department’s Administrative Assistant of the Year award. In addition, they will receive public recognition on DNR’s social media platforms, a feature in the DNR Weekly Update, and they will have a news release and their picture posted on the DNR intranet.

The Administrative Assistant of the Year recognizes an administrative professional support team member who was previously selected for the All-Star Administrative Award. To be eligible, team members must be an administrative professional who has no disciplinary action pending or taken within the previous 6 months.

How to nominate: There is no nomination process, only previous winners of the All-Star Administrative Award will be considered for this recognition.

Reward: The selected team member will be presented a plaque at the Fall Administrative Professional Conference and will have a choice between 8 hours of administrative leave or a 4% temporary salary increase for one month. In addition, they will receive public recognition on DNR’s social media platforms, a feature in the DNR Weekly Update, and they will have their picture posted on the DNR intranet. 

DNR team members are recognized monthly and annually for their years of service with the department, marking 5-year intervals of service and up.

How to nominate: There is no nomination process, recognition will be based on a team member’s years of service. HR manages this list and provides the awards/certificates as needed.

Reward: Monthly awards will include a certificate signed by the Department Director and Division Director. Annual awards will vary, and will go up in value depending on the number of years in service. The Department Director will present awards for all of those serving 20 years or more during an annual meeting. Divisions or programs will present the awards for 5, 10, and 15 years during divisional/program meetings. 

This award is meant to recognize team members who are trusted and respected by their peers. They are pivotal in advising the Department’s Executive Staff on various topics, including effective communication, priorities, and new initiatives. Department management rely on input from these team members to help manage change effectively and take the pulse of other team members. Ultimately, they represented all DNR team members.

How to nominate: Complete and submit a nomination form when the process is open. The department will typically open nominations every 12-18 months and will advertise as available. The communications team will handle the announcement, selection, etc.

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member can nominate another DNR team member.

Employee Accolades are meant to recognize team members both internally and externally for a job well done.

How to nominate: Please send all nominations to your division contact for consideration.

Who can nominate: Anyone (internal and external) can nominate a DNR team member.

Reward: Team members who receive an Employee Accolade will be featured on the DNR intranet. 

The Division Administrative Support Team Member of the Month recognizes administrative team members whose work or performance:

To be eligible, team members must be an administrative professional who has no disciplinary action pending or taken within the previous 6 months.

How to nominate: Complete a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and submit it to the Agency Coordinator in the Human Resource Program before the end of each month. Nominations will be considered for the next 3 consecutive months.

Who can nominate: Any Division Administrative Support (DAS) team member can nominate any another DAS team member for this award. Occasionally team members from other divisions may nominate as well. 

Reward: Selected team members will be presented a plaque, a certificate, a coin, public recognition on the intranet, and they will also have a choice between 4 hours of administrative leave or a 2% temporary salary increase for a month.

This award recognizes an Air Pollution Control Program team member who has made contributions at work that are considered exceptional. All nominations for this award will be vetted by the Air Pollution Control Program (APCP) management team.

How to nominate: Complete a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and submit it to the Agency Coordinator in the Human Resource Program before the end of each month.

Who can nominate: Any APCP team members can nominate another APCP team member.

Reward: Selected team members will be presented a recognition letter, 2 hours of administrative leave, and a temporary designated parking space.

This award recognizes Waste Management Program team member who has gone above and beyond their assigned duties.

How to nominate: Complete a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and submit it to the Agency Coordinator in the Human Resource Program before the end of each month.

Who can nominate: Team members are typically nominated through internal or external stakeholders who notice their efforts and exceptional work. The nominations will be brought forward during program Executive Staff meetings for discussion by the program director, lead administrative team member and section chiefs.

Reward: Selected team members will be recognized during an all-staff meeting and will receive a signed certificate, a special designated parking spot for the month, and 1 hour of administrative leave.

This award recognizes ESP team members who have gone above and beyond their assigned duties.

How to nominate: Nominations should be made during the ESP Command Staff meetings, where it will be brought to a vote. Selected team members must receive at least 5 votes. If a team member does not receive 5 votes they will be considered for two additional voting cycles.  

Who can nominate: Team members are typically nominated through internal or external stakeholders who notice their efforts and exceptional work. Any ESP team member can be nominated for this recognition.

Reward: Selected team members will receive 1 hour of administrative leave.

This award recognizes a team member within these programs who have shown hard work, commitment to their team, and exceptional effort during the previous or current month. In addition to the team member of the month, one team member will be randomly selected to get a designated parking spot for the month at the Water Protection all-staff meeting.

How to nominate: Complete a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and submit it to the Agency Coordinator in the Human Resource Program before the end of each month.

Who can nominate: Leadership will solicit candidates from the branch chiefs ahead of the meeting. 

Reward: Selected team members will get a designated parking spot for a week, a certificate, and 1 hour of administrative leave.

This award recognizes an Environmental Remediation Program team member for excellence.

How to nominate: Email the Environmental Remediation Program Staff Director your nomination. Please include a few sentences describing what the team member did to demonstrate excellence.

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member can nominate an Environmental Remediation Program team member.  

Reward: Selected team members will get 1 hour of administrative leave. NOTE: A team member cannot receive more than 2 hours of annual leave through this award per year.

This award recognizes and celebrates team members for their actions, whether it be helping with a project or just being a kind person.

How to nominate: Team members in this office can place notes on designated bulletin boards throughout the month. Once a month, the Regional Director will go through the notes and will select a team member for the award.

Who can nominate: Any DNR team member in this office can place a note on the bulletin board, but the Regional Director will ultimately select the recipient.

Reward: The selected team member will receive a Sunshine Trophy and a $25 gift card from the Regional Director.

This is an opportunity to praise other team members for their actions, whether it be helping with a project or just being a kind person.

How to nominate: Supervisors in this office can place notes on designated bulletin boards. This can be done at any time.

Who can nominate: This board is meant for Supervisor praise only.

Reward: Once the board is full, the supervisor will host a meal for team members.

This award recognizes team members who have gone above and beyond in their job duties.

How to nominate: Supervisors will nominate team members and decide as a group on up to 3 award winners each quarter.

Who can nominate: Supervisors can nominate other team members.  

Reward: Selected team members will get 1 hour of administrative leave.

This award recognizes team members once a month who have gone above and beyond in their job duties.

How to nominate: Supervisors can submit their nomination by email to the Regional Director.

Who can nominate: Supervisors can nominate other team members.  

Reward: Selected team members will get 1-2 hours of administrative leave.

This award, coordinated by the NERO Human Resources Training Group, recognizes team members that are dealing with difficult situations, doing something well, or going above and beyond their normal duties.

How to nominate: Complete a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and email it to the Regional Director. Nominations will be accepted throughout the quarter.

Who can nominate: Any NERO team member can nominate another NERO team member. NOTE: The NERO Regional Director is not eligible for this award.

Reward: Selected team members will get 2 hours of administrative leave, a poster posted in the hallway under the Quarterly Banner, another poster displayed by the team member’s cubicle, and an award certificate will be presented at a staff meeting. The nominating team member will also receive 1 hour of administrative leave.

The Team member of the month recognizes a team member who has stood out in the section. 

How to nominate: An email or verbal nomination can be made to the Regional Director at any time. The Regional Direct determines the winner monthly.

Who can nominate: Any SERO team member can nominate another SERO team member.

Reward: Team members who are selected as Team Member of the Month will receive recognition at the SERO All Staff Meeting, a framed copy of the nomination, 2 hours of Admin Leave, and the Southeast Regional Office “Llama of Awesomeness” (a traveling trophy).

This award combines the excellence and professionalism of Patrick Mahomes with the “do” pragmatism and attitude of Yoda.

How to nominate: Email nominations to the Regional Director.

Who can nominate: Any KCRO team member can nominate another KCRO team member.

Reward: Selected team members will be recognized during team meetings and will receive 1 hour of administrative leave, a 40 oz. stainless steel cup, and a framed picture of “Yoda Mahomes” with a personal statement.

This award recognizes a team member who demonstrates a commitment to the DNR mission and who has tackled a large project, concerned, or provided exceptional service to internal/external parties.

How to nominate: Complete a Team Member of the Month Nomination Form and submit it to the Agency Coordinator before the end of each month. Nominations will be sent to the Regional Director.

Who can nominate: Supervisors can nominate St. Louis Regional Office team members. 

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and 1 hour of administrative leave.

This award recognizes 5 team members from the program that exemplify each of the core values (technical competency, service, professionalism, ingenuity, and cooperation).

How to nominate: Nominations should be emailed to the Program Manager. Program Managers will then select the top 5 team members to receive this award each year.

Who can nominate: Any division team members can nominate another division team member. 

Reward: Selected team members will be recognized at an annual program retreat and will receive 4 hours of administrative leave and a small gift card.

An opportunity to recognize team members who have been recognized by colleagues for going above and beyond that quarter.

How to nominate: Nominations should be emailed to the Program Manager. Program Managers will then select the top 5 team members to receive this award each year.

Who can nominate: Only Section Managers can nominate a team member for this award. 

Reward: Selected team members will have their names posted to a wall and will be recognized through an email to the team. They will also receive a small gift from the Section Manager.

An opportunity to recognize team members twice a year for one of the following categories (or a special executive nomination upon approval):

Awards are presented at the spring or fall annual staff meeting, or at a quarterly regional/program staff meeting.

How to nominate: Nominations are submitted on the online nomination form and then presented to a committee made up of ten team members from various regions, program, and position levels across the state.

Who can nominate: Any division team member can nominate another division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will receive one day of administrative leave (not an option for seasonal or volunteer categories) or a $100 MSP gift card to use towards a one night stay at the Table Rock State Park full service yurt (based on availability) or a 2 night stay at a camper cabin/outpost cabin operated by Missouri State Parks (ex. Big Lake State Park, Johnson’s Shut Ins State Park, Mark Twain State Park) and spend the day doing activities (ex. float, hike, fish, etc.) with the Missouri State Parks Division Director.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for their outstanding service in their role and dedication to our mission.

How to nominate: Complete online survey form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate, a Missouri State Parks stadium blanket, a coaster set, and a choice between a 2% salary increase for one month or 4 hours of administrative leave (all presented by the Division Director). They will also have their picture and nomination included in a weekly update email and posted on social media outlets.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for their outstanding service to assist their teammates within DAS and will be dubbed a life saver (as in work-life).

How to nominate: Complete the online  DAS Team Member Awards form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a DAS division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and will be the holder of the traveling trophy until a new DAS Hero nominee has been awarded.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for their extreme flexibility and adaptability at work.

How to nominate: Complete the online  DAS Team Member Awards form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a DAS division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and will be the holder of the traveling trophy until a new DAS Gumby nominee has been awarded.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for innovation and creative solutions.

How to nominate: Complete the online  DAS Team Member Awards form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a DAS division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and will be the holder of the traveling trophy until a new DAS Mover & Shakers nominee has been awarded.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for problem solving excellence.

How to nominate: Complete the online  DAS Team Member Awards form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a DAS division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and will be the holder of the traveling trophy until a new DAS Fire Fighter nominee has been awarded.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for fiscal savings.

How to nominate: Complete the online  DAS Team Member Awards form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a DAS division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and will be the holder of the traveling trophy until a new DAS Super Saver nominee has been awarded.

This provides an opportunity for team members to nominate other team members who deserve recognition for demonstrating kindness in the workplace.

How to nominate: Complete the online  DAS Team Member Awards form. Nominations will be considered for 3 consecutive months unless chosen.

Who can nominate: Any department team member can nominate a DAS division team member.

Reward: Selected team members will get a certificate and will be the holder of the traveling trophy until the a new DAS Random Acts of Kindness nominee has been awarded.