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

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

Up to 8 field technicians will be hired to conduct field work in support of various MNFI research, monitoring, and inventory projects. Working closely with the principal investigators, technicians will plan field activities, conduct surveys, and ensure accurate data collection.

Duties will include evaluating potential sampling sites; conducting surveys for rare animal species; handling, measuring, and marking animals; collecting blood and/or tissue samples; sampling vegetation and habitat characteristics; cleaning and maintaining equipment; processing specimens; and entering and compiling data in the field/office. Positions will focus primarily on surveys for rare amphibians and reptiles, with target group/species depending on position and projects, but will include surveys for Blanding’s turtles, spotted turtles, wood turtles, eastern massasaugas, and/or other herp species of conservation concern.

Some positions also may include assisting with surveys for rare butterfly and other species. Field sampling will regularly require long hours and flexible work schedules under adverse working conditions (e.g., hot and humid weather, long and difficult hikes in wetlands, and biting insects).

Travel to study sites throughout Michigan, ability to stay overnight in hotels or campgrounds for up to a week at a time, access to transportation (mileage reimbursed at standard rate), and work over some holidays and/or weekends will be required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting reptile and amphibian surveys including handling and marking live animals.
• Familiarity with Michigan and/or Midwestern ecosystems and common plants.
• Ability to navigate in the field via map, compass, and GPS.
• Comfortable using watercrafts (kayaks, canoes, small boats) if needed.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, ArcGIS, Survey123, FieldMaps, distance technology, etc.).
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in remote areas.
• Ability to adapt and problem solve.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5