State Administrative Manager - Applied Research Section Manager

The Wildlife Society; Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Applied Research Section Manager to lead statewide and regional wildlife research efforts, manage budgets and project administration, and oversee grant activities.

The role emphasizes forging university collaborations and partnerships such as PERM and the Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, shaping strategic direction and ensuring safe field operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any major.
• Four years of professional experience; two years at experienced (P11) level or one year at advanced (12) level.
• Alternate path: high school plus two years safety/regulatory or law enforcement experience at 14, or one year at 15.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide and region-specific wildlife research staff and programs.
• Manage budgets and administration of multiple research projects.
• Oversee grant management and university collaborations.
• Foster partnerships including PERM and the Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
• Set strategic direction aligned with Wildlife Division goals.
• Ensure safe and effective field operations; maintain strong academic relationships.

Skills

People management

Budget management

Grant management

University collaboration

Partnership development

Education

Bachelor's degree (any major)

Job description

The Applied Research Section Manager leads and supports statewide and region-specific wildlife research staff and programs to ensure wildlife conservation and management decisions are grounded in current science. This position oversees the planning, budgets, and administration of numerous research projects, including grant management and collaboration with universities, while fostering partnerships including the Partnership for Ecosystem Research and Management (PERM) and the Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Responsibilities include setting strategic direction aligned with the Wildlife Division’s goals, managing budgets and personnel, coordinating applied research efforts with partners, and ensuring safe and effective field operations. The position emphasizes integrating scientific knowledge into decision-making and maintaining strong relationships with academic institutions to support wildlife conservation and a science-based learning organization.

Position Description

This position's location will be dependent on the candidate's proximity to open MDNR office space. There is potential for hybrid work pending Department directives. 10% - 25% travel is expected.

Required Education and Experience:

Education

Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.

Experience

Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.

Alternate Education and Experience

Education level typically acquired through completion of high school and two years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 14 level; or, one year of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 15 level, may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.

Additional Requirements and Information

View the job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/S/StateAdministrativeManager.pdf