Research Technologist I

Position Summary

To assist in the conduct of forestry research and forest management by performing routine cultural operations, collecting data, operating and maintaining forestry lands and facilities for the Forestry Innovation Center located in Escanaba, MI. This is a 3-year position upon hire date. Duties include:

25% - Storm damage cleanup and repair, monitor and measure research plots during recovery. Measurements will include (but are not limited to), residual tree survival and growth, germination and growth of tree seedlings, percent cover of understory herbaceous layer, planting and maintaining trees in research plots in storm damaged areas, etc.  

25% -  Maintaining station infrastructure across 3 facilities (FIC, Dunbar, Wells) to enhance access to all parts of the ~8500 research forest and established sampling plots. Examples included but are not limited to trail mowing, downed tree removal, timber sale monitoring, minor facility repairs, answering questions from the public.

25% - Maple and Christmas tree plantation layout, care, production aspects as well as sample collection and analysis, database entry, and answering operational and research project questions during public events.

25% - All other duties as assigned by the station director to accommodate changes to current research projects and any new projects over the 3-year time frame.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in forestry; combination of applicable work experience and training, experience in both heavy equipment and farm equipment operation, basic tree ID, basic mapping skills, grounds management, basic infrastructure repair.

Desired Qualifications

Technical degree in forestry or related field, 4 year forestry degree.

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.

Required Application Materials

Resume, 3 references with contact information, applicable qualifications/licenses

Special Instructions

Resume, 3 references with contact information, applicable qualifications/licenses

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is a limited term position funded for three years from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Summary of Physical Demands

Lifting 50 lbs, walking in uneven conditions, ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, climb into and out of equipment, operate equipment, ability to obtain farm CDL,  ability to stand for long periods.

Summary of Health Risks

Will be exposed to hot and cold climates, insects in the woods, loud machinery conditions.