Conservation Associate- Botanist

Position Overview

Assist with an array of projects requiring expertise in plant and natural community identification, ecosystem valuation, and interpretation of ecological relationships in plant communities, while applying for external funding and serving as principal investigator on MNFI projects.

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE), the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI) and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), this position will collect, analyze, and communicate information about Michigan's rare and declining plant species and natural communities, help maintain Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database, and work cooperatively with other MNFI personnel, 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.

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).

This position will have statewide responsibilities and will be housed at the MNFI office in Lansing, Michigan.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)‌

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

Application deadline is 1/8/2024.

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.