Conservation Associate - Ecologist

Position Overview

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE), the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI) and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), up to two positions will be filled to collect, analyze, and communicate information about Michigan's natural communities, help maintain Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database, and work cooperatively with other MNFI personnel, Tribal organizations, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to inform and guide decisions that impact biodiversity conservation.

The mission of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory 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.

In this position, you will assist with an array of projects requiring expertise in natural community identification, ecosystem valuation, and interpretation of ecological relationships in plant communities. Applying for external funding and serving as principal investigator on MNFI projects will be a regular part of this position. 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), scientific writing (15-25% of year), and outreach/education activities (5-15% 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.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct field surveys, monitoring, and research of natural communities and rare and declining species.
Collect, evaluate, analyze, and disseminate ecological information and manage data within multiple databases.
Assist with the maintenance and expansion of Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database regarding natural community occurrences and support other heritage programming.
Develop and maintain good working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally, including with Tribal communities, natural resource managers, researchers, other partners, and stakeholders through collaborations and consultations.
Create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension, the Community, Food, and Environment Institute, and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
Communicate and interact with formal and informal professional networks to evaluate the needs of the conservation community.
Prepare grant proposals, both independently and as part of teams with internal and external collaborators, to fund new projects that meet MNFI’s mission.
Provide technical assistance and training to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant updates on Michigan’s natural communities, invasive species, ecological restoration, and biodiversity stewardship to staff within Tribal organizations, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, other state, federal, and local agencies, and conservation organizations.
Disseminate information about ecosystems through project reports, publications, scientific presentations, and other written and oral communications.
Assist with and/or lead project management and implementation, including the preparation of proposals to obtain funding for projects that further MNFI’s mission.
Engage in outreach activities with the public, community groups, and scientific community.
Serve on internal and external project teams, committees, and working groups.
Recruit, train, and direct seasonal staff.
Participate in MSU health and safety monitoring programs.
Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class, and other human differences in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to ecology, plant biology, forestry, or closely related field must be earned by date of hire.

Preferred Level of Education

Master's degree

Compensation/Salary

Commensurate with education and experience

How to Apply

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1000507 using the Job Search field. 
Application deadline is 12/02/2024.

Application deadline: December 2, 2024

About Michigan State University Extension/Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI)

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.

Learn more about Michigan State University Extension/Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI)

Equal Employment Opportunity

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.

The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.