Employment and Volunteering
MNFI currently has the following positions available:
Zoologist / Research Assistant I
Position Overview
Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), a program of Michigan State University Extension, is hiring a research assistant to assist staff scientists with an array of projects requiring expertise in the identification of rare and common animal species from a variety of taxonomic groups, assessment of potential habitats and threats, and determination of restoration and management needs. The Research Assistant will also provide technical assistance, guidance, and training on Michigan’s rare species, natural resources management, and biodiversity stewardship to staff within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other state, federal, and local agencies, and organizations. In addition, the Research Assistant will be responsible for data management using Biotics and the full suite of Esri GIS products and assist by disseminating information about rare and declining animal species and manage data within multiple databases, including the Michigan Natural Heritage Database, conforming to methodology and data standards of the repository.
The proportion of time devoted to primary tasks will vary annually according to project requirements and individual interests but will generally consist of substantial field data collection during the growing season (40-60% of year), data management and analysis (15-25% of year), and scientific writing (15-25% of year).
Application Process
View full description and apply through the MSU Careers page. Search for posting 1014750 using the Search field.
Application deadline is February 11, 2025.
Zoology Seasonal Field Technician (Up to 8 positions)
Description of Position and Duties
Up to 8 field technicians will be hired to conduct field work in support of various MNFI research, monitoring, and inventory projects. Working closely with the principal investigators, technicians will plan field activities, conduct surveys, and ensure accurate data collection. Duties will include evaluating potential sampling sites; conducting surveys for rare animal species; handling, measuring, and marking animals; collecting blood samples; recording vegetation and habitat characteristics; cleaning and maintaining equipment; processing specimens; and entering and compiling data in the field/office. Positions will focus primarily on surveys for rare amphibians and reptiles, with target group/species depending on position and projects, but will include surveys for Blanding’s turtles, spotted turtles, wood turtles, eastern massasaugas, and/or other herp species of conservation concern. Some positions also may include assisting with surveys for rare butterfly and other species. Field sampling will regularly require long hours and flexible work schedules under adverse working conditions (e.g., hot and humid weather, long and difficult hikes in wetlands, and biting insects). A valid driver's license, travel to study sites throughout Michigan, ability to stay overnight in hotels or campgrounds for up to a week at a time, use of a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed at standard rate), and work over some holidays and/or weekends will be required. Desired qualifications: familiarity with Michigan and/or Midwestern ecosystems; experience conducting reptile and amphibian surveys including handling and marking live animals; experience conducting butterfly and/or freshwater mussel surveys; ability to identify common Michigan plant species; ability to navigate in the field via map, compass, and GPS; comfortable using watercrafts (kayaks, canoes, small boats) if needed; proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, ArcGIS, Survey123, FieldMaps, etc.); a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn; ability to work independently and as part of a team in remote areas; ability to adapt and problem solve; effective oral and written communication skills; understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards; and other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
Minimum Qualifications
≥ 3 years study toward B.S. in wildlife biology, zoology, natural
resource management, or closely related field.
Application Process
View full description and apply through the MSU Careers page. Search for posting 1020324 using the Search field.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. Please include the position number on all materials and start and end dates for which you would be available to work in your cover letter.
Application deadline is February 16, 2025 (may be extended if needed).