MNFI Field Technician – Botanist​/Professional Aide

MNFI Field Technician – Botanist / Professional Aide

Position Summary (Basic Job Function):
This is a temporary or an on-call position providing professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term:
Temps can work two (2) nine (9)-month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on‑call arrangement. On‑call personnel are allowed to work 1,039 hours in any twelve (12)-month period.

Unit

Position Summary:

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and participants. All staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to ensuring programming is available to all audiences, creating meaningful impacts, fostering respect, and continuously learning to serve Michigan residents effectively.

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory, a program of MSU Extension, is hiring up to twelve seasonal field technicians to conduct plant species surveys and collect plot‑based vegetative data on federal, state, municipal, NGO, and/or private lands.

Seasonal field technicians will be responsible for traveling to remote areas, preparing for and conducting rare and invasive plant species surveys; compiling plant species lists; providing descriptions of survey areas and current threats; capturing GPS data including survey locations of rare species and priority invasive species and survey tracks; taking quality photos; documenting rare plant populations using MNFI field forms or other specified monitoring data;

collecting and labeling voucher specimens of new county records; reporting findings at weekly or biweekly intervals; transferring data to Excel spreadsheets; collecting plot‑based vegetative data; and writing summary reports of work accomplished.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to applicants with intermediate to expert botanical skills in the identification of Michigan plants species and demonstrated field work experience.
• Strong work ethic, ability to work independently in remote areas, and navigation skills via map, compass, and GPS.
• Ability to stay in hotels or campgrounds for up to a week at a time.
• Availability during late May through the end of September, with potential to support work into October.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across diverse demographics.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Sensitivity, knowledge, and use of approaches that reflect awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long‑distance travel required.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Required Application Materials:
Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

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.

Work Hours:

STANDARD 8‑5