MNFI Field Technician - Botanist

Michigan State University - Lansing, MI, USA

Position Title:

MNFI Field Technician - Botanist

Application Review Begins:
Monday, December 01, 2025

Final date to receive applications:
Sunday, January 11, 2026

Institution:
Michigan State University

Department/Division:
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources / Michigan State University Extension

Field:
Botany / Plant Science

City:
Lansing, MI, USA

General Information:
This is a temporary or an on-call position. 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.

• Preference will be given to applicants with intermediate to expert botanical skills in the identification of Michigan plant species and demonstrated field work experience.
• Strong work ethic, the ability to work independently in remote areas, and navigate in the field via map, compass and GPS.
• Ability to stay in hotels or campgrounds for up to a week at a time.
• Available during late May through the end of September, but we may be able to accommodate those who are only available for a shorter time frame, or may be able to support work into October.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across a wide range of demographic factors.
• 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.
• 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.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

• Travel to remote areas, prepare for and conduct rare and invasive plant species surveys; compile plant species lists; provide descriptions of survey areas and current threats; capture GPS data including survey locations of rare species and priority invasive species and survey tracks.
• Take quality photos, document rare plant populations using MNFI field forms or other specified monitoring data; collect and label voucher specimens of new county records.
• Report findings at weekly or biweekly intervals; transfer data to Excel spreadsheets; collect plot-based vegetative data; write summary reports of work accomplished.

View full description and apply through the MSU Careers page. Search for posting 1095562 or visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Required application materials:
Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References.