Botanist

Botanist - 2 positions available

Position Overview

The mission of MNFI 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. MNFI maintains the statewide Natural Heritage Database documenting the occurrences and status of exemplary natural communities and rare species. This core function is an essential component of many MNFI projects. The database forms the foundation for providing information to decision makers. MNFI utilizes the Biotics platform, which is an integrated, web-enabled system for tabular and spatial data management for the Heritage Network. As the research assistant, you will be responsible for data management using Biotics and the full suite of Esri GIS products. You will collect, evaluate, analyze, maintain, and disseminate plant species and natural community information and manage data within multiple databases, including the Michigan Natural Heritage Database, conforming to methodology and data standards of the repository.

In this position, you will assist staff scientists with an array of projects requiring expertise in plant and natural community identification and mapping, ecological integrity assessment, and interpretation of ecosystem management needs. You will also provide technical assistance, guidance, and training on Michigan’s natural communities and rare species, natural resources management, and biodiversity stewardship to staff within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other state, federal, and local agencies, and organizations. 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), and scientific writing (15-25% of year). 

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.

There are two positions available. To be considered for both, you must apply separately to each position. The posting numbers are 1006337 and 1006338.

Qualifications

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

• Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in botany, plant biology, ecology, natural resources management, or equivalent degree in a closely related field, earned by date of hire. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Application Process

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1006337 and 1006338 using the Job Search field. 

Application deadline is 01/07/2025