Research Technologist I

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; Escanaba (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU Careers is seeking a forestry assistant to support forestry research and management in Escanaba, MI. The role involves fieldwork, data collection, and operating/maintaining facilities at the Forestry Innovation Center. The position runs through 12/31/2028 with standard 8-5 hours.

Responsibilities include storm damage cleanup, infrastructure maintenance across three stations, plantation layout and sample collection, and taking on additional duties as projects evolve.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in forestry or related field.

Responsibilities

• Storm damage cleanup and repair; monitor and measure research plots.
• Maintain station infrastructure across 3 facilities to enhance access to research forest and plots.
• Layout and care of maple and Christmas tree plantations; data collection and analysis.
• Assist with other duties as assigned by station director.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Equipment operation

Tree identification

Mapping

Grounds maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry

Job description

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. Position has an end-date of 12/31/2028. 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. Overnight travel may be needed as times.

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.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in forestry; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques in forestry; or an equivalent 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, 2 year or 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 until 12/31/2028 with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Summary of Physical Demands

Lifting 50lbs, 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.

Advertised: Jul 22, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 28, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time