Conservation Associate Ecologist

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.

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.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.