Professional Aide

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

The Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Michigan State University is looking to hire an experienced researcher to collaborate on two projects focused on avian associations with utility-scale solar facilities. This individual will assist with dynamic and multi-species occupancy modeling relative to variables measured at solar facilities. Primary duties include collation of landscape variables using GIS software, occupancy modelling in R, data synthesis and quality control, creation of publication quality figures, and manuscript development and writing.

Position Description: (Basic Job Function, required qualifications)

The Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Michigan State University is looking to hire a Professional Aide to collaborate on two research projects focused on avian associations with utility-scale solar facilities. This individual will be supervised by Dr Brett DeGregorio and Dr. Steven Gray and will work closely with project partners.

The selected candidate will be responsible for leading a suite of data analyses including occupancy analyses (dynamic and multi-species) and spatial analyses to discern avian response to solar siting and use of established solar facilities. Duties will require consistent use of R and GIS software for data analysis, collation, and manipulation. Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to develop informative, publication quality figures, conduct regular data quality checks, and assist with manuscript preparation and writing (co-authorship will be offered on all corresponding products).

The desired candidate will have experience analyzing wildlife data in response to environmental variables in fisheries and wildlife sciences or a related field and have a strong quantitative background. Candidate will be required to analyze and manipulate large, complex datasets. Experience in R and GIS software is required. Skills and familiarity regarding occupancy modeling are desirable but not required. Additionally, candidates with strong scientific writing skills will be highly competitive. The selected candidate must be independent, able to set and keep their own schedule, communicate clearly and regularly with supervisors, and adhere to data management guidelines.

Desired Qualifications

1. Familiarity and experience with occupancy modeling in a programming environment (preferably R)
2. Motivated, independent, and active problem solver
3. B.S. in wildlife ecology, statistics, or a related field. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Special Instructions

Letter of interest (1 page max), CV, contact information (email and/or phone) for three references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/