Forest Ecology Student Field Research Assistant

Hiring Organization: Department of Forestry Michigan State University
Employment type: Seasonal
Job Location: Northern Michigan/Remote
Application Due Date: March 21, 2025

Position description

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

Duties/Responsibilities

Field work: Assistants will work as a team in northern‐lower Michigan forests (Manistee National Forest), censusing tree seedling establishment and survival, and mature tree growth and survival
Computer work: Assistants 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 (commensurate with experience level), 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 9th-August 8th (set dates based on availability of field housing), and computer work is flexible but preferred completion by early September.

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 9th to August 8th, 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 #9702631 or via email to Dr. Bailey McNichol at mcnich38@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 March 21, 2025, or until the position has been filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please 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.