Michigan State University Extension

 

Michigan Natural Features Inventory

P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944 (517) 373-1552   FAX:  (517) 373-9566

 

 

Position Description #1104 

 

Position Title: Seasonal Biologist (2 to 3 positions) 

 

Supervisor: Conservation Associate- Botanist 

 

Location: Lansing, Michigan with travel throughout Michigan 

 

Salary Range: $10 to $14 per hour, commensurate with training and experience


 

Term of Employment: Approximate start/end dates: April 1, 2011 to September
30, 2011 

 

Minimum Qualifications: B.S. preferred in ecology, botany, zoology, biology,
natural resource management, or closely related field. Undergraduate
students with relevant experience also will be considered.

 

Description of Position and Duties: The primary responsibilities of the
Seasonal Biologist will be to collect and record biological field data and
to enter rare species occurrence data into a spatial and tabular database
using ArcMap and other GIS applications. Specific activities may include,
but are not limited to: conducting photographic monitoring and vegetation
plot sampling in upland and wetland habitats; conducting meander and
transect surveys for rare butterflies; conducting surveys for rare insects;
conducting visual encounter, coverboard, and/or trapping surveys for rare
reptiles; and handling and marking animals, including the eastern massasauga
rattlesnake. 

 

The Seasonal Biologist should be skilled in plant identification, the use of
botanical keys, and have familiarity with the natural communities of Lower
Michigan. Previous experience with the identification of insects and
reptiles and experience conducting wildlife surveys is preferred. Applicants
should be comfortable using GPS equipment and performing basic functions in
ArcMap and other GIS applications. Applicants should be organized, attentive
to detail, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and able to work in remote
locations. Daily field work will often be strenuous and performed under
adverse conditions (e.g., hot, humid weather, biting insects, and difficult
terrain). Applicants should have a valid driver's license and may be
required to use their own vehicle (when required, mileage will be reimbursed
at the standard MSU rate). Meal and lodging costs will be reimbursed when
overnight stay is required. Work on holidays and/or weekends also may be
required.

 

Application Procedure:  Send cover letter (directly addressing the above
position description), resume, copy of college transcripts, and contact
information for three professional references to Sue Ridge, Director of
Administration, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, P.O. Box 30444,
Lansing, MI 48909-7944.  Include position number on all application
materials and include your earliest and latest work availability dates in
your cover letter.  E-mail applications sent to [log in to unmask] will be
considered, but applicants should include all information in the body of the
message; we cannot be responsible for information in attached files that may
be lost or blocked.  Incomplete applications may not be considered.

 

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to
eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin,
gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation,
marital status, or family status. Persons with disabilities have the right
to request and receive reasonable accommodations.