Working/Functional Title

Environmental Review Analyst

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

Assists in overseeing and coordinating laboratory and/or field operations, assists in planning and designing experiments, conducts experiments and analyzes resultant data in order to participate in conducting research projects.

The mission of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) is to guide the conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity by providing the highest quality scientific expertise and information. MNFI’s vision is to be the authoritative source of information on biodiversity that is widely used to conserve Michigan’s unique natural heritage for current and future generations.

As the Environmental Review Analyst, you will assist in the coordination and evaluation of projects seeking MNFI expertise and insight regarding impacts that may occur for permit applications, land management plans, and other local or statewide projects. The Environmental Review process flags potential impacts with state and federally protected species and high-quality natural communities. In this position, you will assist with field assessments for public and private projects. Field assessments include varied types of species-targeted field work and will be coordinated with additional MNFI staff as needed. Geospatial applications are a foundational aspect of MNFI work. You will be using Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database, GIS, and varied geospatial applications as tools for decision making. Additional duties may include field research, website maintenance or formatting, and creation of information products and reports, depending on skills and program needs.

In this role, you will screen projects seeking permits or impact assessments using Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database and other geospatial data layers. You will coordinate reviews with MNFI staff, experts, and agency personnel, maintain and refine applications and datasets, and communicate with applicants, experts, and agencies regarding reviews and updates. You will assist with the development and deployment of the NatureServe Environmental Review Tool and maintenance and expansion of Michigan’s Natural Heritage Database, including implementation of quality control procedures to ensure records meet Natural Heritage standards. You will conduct field surveys and research on rare and declining species and natural communities, as well as collect, analyze, and disseminate ecological information. You will also recruit, train, and direct seasonal staff. It will be important that you develop and maintain good professional relationships, promoting positive public relations for MSU Extension, the Community, Food, and Environment Institute, and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

The Environmental Review Analyst will be based in the MNFI MSU Extension office located in downtown Lansing, MI.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment; however, there is an expectation to work from the MNFI office in Lansing. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This is a full-time, end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon continued funding.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists in coordinating research and laboratory and/or field operations in order to meet research goals.
Performs experimental tests and assays and records and analyzes results in order to provide conclusive data for research projects.
Consults with research supervisor in order to assist in planning and designing experiments.
Compiles and summarizes results and participates in preparing reports, manuscripts and articles for publication.
Acts as a resource person to internal and external individuals regarding research projects and experiments.
Performs all field work in order to run experiments.
Oversees the compliance to laboratory safety regulations and procedures.
Reviews the work of research technicians and student employees.
Oversees laboratory/field needs and orders materials, supplies and equipment.
Operates, calibrates and maintains laboratory/field instruments and equipment in order to ensure proper functioning, accuracy and compliance with written specifications.
Researches literature in order to maintain a current knowledge of laboratory research methods and terminology.
Perform other duties or projects as required.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in field of research employment, zoology, botany, ecology, geography, or other related science fields.
One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed.
Requires software specific to the area of research.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
This position requires or will require, prior to completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in zoology, botany, ecology, geography, or closely related field, earned by date of hire.
One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in geographic information systems (GIS) and database management.
Ability to independently conduct long days of strenuous fieldwork under adverse conditions for prolonged periods of time throughout the State of Michigan.
Ability to navigate in remote areas, including experience using a compass, maps, and GPS technology.
Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan/Great Lakes region flora and fauna.

Knowledge of Natural Heritage methodology and data management.
General understanding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and environmental regulations for Threatened and Endangered species.
Experience with the ESRI suite of products and proficiency with ArcGIS Online.
Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Office Suite, including use of word processors and spreadsheets, Adobe products, email/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to work independently and complete tasks in a deadline driven environment.
Actively participate in a variety of professional development opportunities to retain existing skills, and ability to quickly learn new skills and procedures.
Thoroughness and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an office or virtual environment, including the ability to serve in both leadership and contributory roles.
Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
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.
Commitment to natural resource conservation, respect for property ownership, scientific credibility, reliable data, and fiscal accountability.
Prior experience performing work in support of external contract and/or grant requirements.
Ability to lift and carry research materials and equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and long distances.
Transportation to the office and field sites is the responsibility of the employee.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of this 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.

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV.
Cover letter.
Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday with some nights and weekends.

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

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