Zoologist/Research Assistant I

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POSITION SUMMARY
Assists in overseeing and coordinating field and/or laboratory operations, assists in planning and designing experiments, conducts experiments and field sampling, and analyzes resultant data as a part of completing research projects.
 
As part of MSU Extension (MSUE), the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), the zoology-focused research assistant will collect, analyze, and communicate information about Michigan's rare and declining animals, maintain Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database, and work cooperatively with public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to inform and guide decisions that impact biodiversity management and conservation.
 
The mission of MNFI is to guide the conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity by providing the highest quality scientific expertise and information. MNFI’s vision is to be the authoritative source of information on biodiversity that is widely used to conserve Michigan’s unique natural heritage for current and future generations. MNFI maintains the statewide Natural Heritage Database documenting the occurrences and status of exemplary natural communities and rare species. This core function is an essential component of many MNFI projects. The database is required by partner agencies who perform legally mandated regulatory functions, allowing them to complete tasks, perform regulatory reviews, produce products, and meet deadlines. This ongoing research is used by federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations to guide land management, development, and conservation decisions. The database forms the foundation for providing information to decision makers. MNFI utilizes the Biotics platform, which is an integrated, web-enabled system for tabular and spatial data management for the Heritage Network. As the research assistant, you will be responsible for data
management using Biotics and the full suite of Esri GIS products. You will collect, evaluate, analyze, maintain, and disseminate 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.
 
In this position, you will 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. You 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. 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).
 
Although negotiable, this position will have statewide responsibilities and will be housed at the MNFI Office in Lansing, Michigan, or an alternate location in the State to be determined.
 
This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from the MNFI office in Lansing. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work location flexibility.
 
This is an off dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)

• Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in zoology, wildlife management, ecology, natural resources management, or equivalent degree in a closely related field, earned by date of hire.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.