Forest Ecology Student Field Research Assistant

Hiring Organization: Department of Forestry Michigan State University
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: East Lansing, MI
Application Due Date: February 29, 2024

Position description:

A great opportunity to gain experience in forest ecology research for a motivated undergraduate student! The position includes a period of full-time field work in northern Michigan, followed by flexible part‐time work that can be performed remotely on a laptop. You can find more information about the MSU Forest Ecology lab here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/kobe/home.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Field work: Assistant will work with the Forest Ecology team in forests of northern‐lower Michigan (Manistee National Forest), monitoring tree seedling establishment and survival
Computer work: Assistant will work independently to enter and error check field data

Preferred Qualifications:

Some experience in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field
Comfort with woody plant identification and field research conditions
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel for data entry, cleaning, and manipulation
Must be an enrolled student at Michigan State University
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record (to drive University‐owned vehicles)

Compensation: $14.00/hour, working 40 hours per week during the field work, and up to 40 hours per week for the subsequent computer work (hours flexible)

Time Frame: Field work will be from June 17th-July 17th (set dates based on availability of field housing), and computer work is flexible but preferred completion by mid‐August.

Working Conditions: The position will primarily involve field‐based work, followed by computer work to enter field data. Field conditions will include carrying a less than 30‐pound pack and exposure to inclement (but not dangerous) weather, heat/humidity, uneven terrain, insects, and allergens.

Location: Field work requires an extended‐stay trip in a field house in the Manistee National Forest from June 17th to July 17th, with housing and transport provided for field work. Computer work can be performed in MSU’s Natural Resources building or can be completed remotely with a laptop. Housing will not be provided in East Lansing for this work.

To Apply: Apply via Handshake by searching for Job #8651392 or via email to Dr. Bailey McNichol at mcnich28@msu.edu. Submit 1) a resume/CV with list of relevant coursework or experiences, and 2) contact information (email and phone number) for two professional references.

Deadline: Applications will be considered until February 29, 2024, or until the position has been filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Feel free to email Dr. McNichol at mcnich38@msu.edu with questions!

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. MSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.