Working/Functional Title

Botanist

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

Assists in overseeing and coordinating field and/or laboratory operations, assists in planning and designing experiments, conducts experiments and field sampling, 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 botany-focused research assistant will collect, analyze, and communicate information about Michigan's natural communities and rare and declining plants, 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 plant species and natural community information 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 plant and natural community identification and mapping, ecological integrity assessment, and interpretation of ecosystem management needs. You will also provide technical assistance, guidance, and training on Michigan’s natural communities and 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 a full-time, end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon continued funding.

There are two positions available. To be considered for both, you must apply separately to each position. The posting numbers are 1006337 and 1006338.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists MNFI staff scientists in coordinating research, data management, and/or field operations.
• Performs experimental tests, assays, quantitative research, and ecological surveys, and records and analyzes results to provide conclusive data for research projects.
• Consults with research supervisor to assist in planning and designing experiments and surveys.
• Compiles and summarizes results and participates in preparing reports, manuscripts, and articles for publication.
• Acts as a resource person to internal and external individuals regarding research projects and experiments.
• Performs all field work necessary to conduct surveys and run experiments.
• Oversees the compliance with field and laboratory safety regulations and procedures.
• Reviews the work of other research technicians and student employees.
• Oversees field/laboratory needs and orders materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Operates, calibrates, and maintains laboratory/field instruments and equipment to ensure proper functioning, accuracy, and compliance with written specifications.
• Reads pertinent literature to maintain and expand knowledge of laboratory and field research methods and terminology.
• Performs other duties or projects as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in botany, plant biology, ecology, natural resources management, or equivalent degree in a closely related field, earned by date of hire.
• One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard field or laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed.
• Requires software specific to the area of research.
• Ability to lift and carry research materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in botany, plant biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field, earned by date of hire.
• Ability to independently conduct long days of strenuous fieldwork under adverse conditions for prolonged periods of time throughout the State of Michigan including working in remote areas, difficult terrain, and vast tracks of open wetlands and swamp forests.
• Ability to orienteer, read maps, and navigate in remote areas.
• Familiarity with the flora and natural communities of the Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly identify plant species in the field in both upland and wetland communities.
• Experience conducting field-based research and ecological studies, especially those involving vegetation sampling, mapping, and monitoring.
• Ability to follow prescribed sampling protocols, accurately record data, conduct quality assurance reviews, and manage information according to appropriate data standards.
• Experience with natural community surveys and evaluation, including both upland and wetland natural communities.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in ecological restoration, silvicultural prescriptions, invasive species control, or prescribed burning.
• Knowledge of Natural Heritage methodology and data management.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Qualtrics, Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, including use of word processors and spreadsheets, Adobe products, email/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
• Experience with Esri GIS software applications (e.g., ArcPro, ArcOnline, Survey123, Field Maps)
• Familiarity with statistical data analyses and software (e.g., R, SAS).
• Experience with GPS technology and electronic data recorders.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, ability to complete tasks in a timely fashion, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and curious with the demonstrated ability to work independently and complete tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and long distances.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural competency and inclusive excellence.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an office or virtual environment, including the ability to serve in both leadership and contributory roles.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences to assist with project development and outreach.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Commitment to natural resource conservation, and respect for property ownership, scientific credibility, reliable data, and fiscal accountability.
• Prior experience performing work in support of external contract and/or grant requirements.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends needed

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://youtu.be/KjG34cLt9a8

Bidding eligibility ends December 17, 11:55 PM