Bird​/Insect Zoology Technician - Professional Aide

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides 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. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward 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:

Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), a program of Michigan State University Extension, is hiring seasonal field technicians to assist with several research, monitoring, and inventory projects focused on rare birds and insect species across Michigan, including secretive marsh birds, waterbirds, shorebirds, songbirds, butterflies, bumble bees, and other insects. We are seeking applicants for flexible start (March-May) and end dates(August-October). Successful applicants will get to work around Michigan on a variety of projects with our team of zoologists.

Field technicians will be hired to conduct field work in support of various MNFI research, monitoring, and inventory projects. This work will regularly require long hours and flexible work schedules under adverse working conditions (e.g., hot and humid weather, long and difficult hikes in wetlands, and biting insects).

Work is conducted in remote places with no trail access and the possibility for week-long backpacking assignments. Working closely with the principal investigators, technicians will plan field activities, conduct surveys, and ensure accurate data collection.

Duties will include evaluating potential sampling sites; conducting surveys for rare animal species; sampling vegetation and habitat characteristics; cleaning and maintaining equipment; processing specimens; and entering and compiling data in the field/office.

Positions will focus on surveys for wetland-dependent birds, including secretive marsh birds, shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl, but will also assist surveys for rare butterflies (e.g., Karner blue, Poweshiek skipper ling) and potentially other insects depending on project needs.

Travel to study sites throughout Michigan, ability to stay overnight in hotels or campgrounds for up to a week at a time, and work over some holidays and/or weekends will be required. This fieldwork is physically and mentally demanding.

• Knowledge of and ability to identify bird and insect species of Michigan
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in remote areas.
• Ability to adapt and problem solve.
• Experience conducting bird and/or insect surveys. Ability to identify bird and/or butterfly species by sight
• Familiarity with Michigan and/or Midwestern ecosystems and common plants.
• Comfortable using watercraft (kayaks, canoes, small boats).
• Ability to navigate in the field via map, compass, and GPS.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class,…