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This position will collect, analyze, and communicate information about Michigan's rare plant species and natural communities, help maintain Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database, and work cooperatively with other Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) personnel, Tribal organizations, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to inform and guide decisions that impact biodiversity conservation.

MNFI maintains the statewide Natural Heritage Database documenting the occurrences and status of exemplary natural communities and rare species. The database is required by partner agencies who perform legally mandated regulatory functions, allowing them to complete tasks, perform regulatory reviews, produce products, and meet deadlines. This ongoing research is used by federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations to guide land management, development, and conservation decisions.

You will assist with an array of projects requiring expertise in plant and 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 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.

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1008768 using the Job Search field.

Application deadline is January 8, 2025.