Imagine standing at the intersection of cutting-edge geospatial science, wildlife ecology, and real-world conservation impact. Wetlands across Michigan—critical stopovers for millions of migrating ducks, geese, and other waterfowl—face mounting pressures from land-use change, climate shifts, and competing demands. Now, a rare Postdoctoral Research Associate position offers the chance to shape a statewide strategy that prioritizes where to protect and restore these habitats for decades to come.
Michigan State University, through its partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on waterfowl habitat conservation strategy. This role, based in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, will deliver both a planning document and interactive tools that guide on-the-ground conservation delivery for waterfowl, wetland wildlife, and the broader suite of ecosystem services Michigan residents rely on. Funding is secured for approximately two years, with a start date before October 31, 2026, and remote work permitted. Applications close September 15, 2026.
This is more than another postdoc listing. It sits at the heart of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), the landmark international partnership launched in 1986 that has guided continental waterfowl conservation for nearly four decades. Michigan’s Wildlife Division and partners have long relied on strategic guidance tied to physiographic regions and migratory pathways. The selected candidate will modernize that guidance with contemporary data, spatial prioritization, and transparent decision-support tools that partners can actually use.
Summary
- Company: Michigan State University
- Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy
- Job Type: Full Time
- Qualification: BA/BSc/HND/MSC/PhD
- Location: USA
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy
Why Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Matters Now More Than Ever
Waterfowl populations and the wetlands that sustain them underpin both ecological resilience and human well-being. Michigan’s landscape sits within key priority areas identified under NAWMP, including portions of the Prairie Hardwood Transition and Lower Great Lakes regions. These areas provide breeding, migration, and wintering habitat while delivering flood storage, water-quality improvement, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities that support local economies.
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Yet wetland loss continues. Agricultural intensification, development, and altered hydrology have reduced and fragmented habitat. Conservation dollars are limited, so identifying the highest-return locations for protection and restoration is essential. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will fill exactly that gap by modeling suitability, opportunity, and multiple benefits across the state. Readers interested in the broader continental framework can explore the latest NAWMP updates and joint-venture resources at https://nawmp.org/.
The position also advances the mission of the Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, a collaborative effort among USGS, Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute. Unit scientists work directly with agency partners to produce applied science that informs management decisions. Learn more about the cooperative research unit model at https://www.usgs.gov/programs/cooperative-research-units and about the host department at https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/.
Core Objectives: From Partnership to Interactive Tools
The project centers on four interconnected objectives that will define the successful candidate’s daily work.
First, convening conservation partners. The postdoc will bring together state and federal biologists, university researchers, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders with an interest in waterfowl habitat. Facilitating the exchange of knowledge, data, and priorities ensures the resulting strategy reflects real needs and builds ownership for implementation.
Second, geospatial modeling. Using large datasets and modern tools, the candidate will quantify the spatial distribution of waterfowl habitat conservation capital and opportunity across Michigan. Models will incorporate environmental variables—hydrology, land cover, climate projections—and social factors that influence feasibility and public benefit. Familiarity with ESRI products or comparable GIS platforms, plus strong programming skills in R or Python, forms the technical foundation. Those seeking to strengthen GIS capabilities can explore resources at https://www.esri.com/.
Third, strategy drafting. The postdoc will lead development of a draft Michigan waterfowl habitat conservation strategy. This living document will assess progress toward restoration and retention objectives, incorporate historical population dynamics and landscape change, guide spatial prioritization, evaluate multiple benefits such as ecosystem goods and services, and recommend monitoring and research priorities. The strategy will serve as the updated roadmap for implementing NAWMP habitat goals within Michigan.
Fourth, design of an interactive online geospatial interface. Decision-makers need more than static maps. The postdoc will create spatially explicit decision-support tools that allow users to explore priority areas, scenario outcomes, and trade-offs. All datasets, codebooks, weighting procedures, equations, assumptions, and documentation must be delivered in formats compatible with Michigan DNR Wildlife Division systems. Transparency and reproducibility are non-negotiable.
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Who Thrives in This Role
Minimum requirements emphasize quantitative and collaborative strengths: experience managing and analyzing large datasets, developing geospatial models and tools, proficiency with ESRI or similar GIS software, and solid programming ability in R and/or Python. Equally important is the capacity to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders—agency biologists, university scientists, and conservation organizations.
Desired qualifications include background in wildlife ecology, especially waterfowl and wetland systems, plus prior work developing decision-support or conservation planning products. These are preferred rather than required, opening the door to strong quantitative ecologists, spatial analysts, or conservation scientists ready to apply their skills to a high-visibility applied project.
The salary range of $55,598 to $60,000 per year, combined with the intellectual freedom of a postdoctoral appointment and the collaborative environment of a cooperative research unit, makes this an attractive next step for recent PhD graduates. Experience required is listed as none beyond the doctorate, underscoring that the position values demonstrated technical competence and collaborative potential over years of post-PhD employment.
Building a Career While Delivering Real Impact
Postdoctoral positions in wildlife conservation increasingly demand the ability to translate complex models into actionable products. This role delivers exactly that experience. Successful candidates will leave with a portfolio that includes partner-facilitated processes, peer-ready strategy documents, open and documented geospatial tools, and a network spanning state, federal, and non-governmental organizations. These assets position graduates strongly for agency scientist roles, academic appointments focused on applied conservation, or positions within joint ventures and non-profits.
Michigan itself offers a rich living laboratory. From the coastal marshes of the Great Lakes to inland wetland complexes and agricultural landscapes, the state presents diverse challenges and opportunities. The flexibility for remote work further broadens the candidate pool, allowing talented researchers outside East Lansing to contribute fully while remaining connected to the unit scientists who will provide direction.
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How to Position Yourself and Apply
Interested applicants should prepare a single combined document containing a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. The cover letter is the place to demonstrate understanding of the project’s dual emphasis on rigorous modeling and partner engagement. Highlight any experience facilitating multi-stakeholder processes, documenting complex models for non-technical users, or working at the science-management interface.
Submit materials according to the instructions on the job posting. Preferred contact is Steven Gray at graystev@msu.edu. Early applications are wise given the September 15, 2026 deadline and the competitive nature of well-funded, applied postdoctoral opportunities.
For additional context on Michigan’s wetland and waterfowl management efforts, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division pages at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife. Broader career resources for wildlife professionals appear on platforms such as The Wildlife Society and the Ornithology Exchange job boards.
The Broader Horizon
Successful delivery of this project will do more than update a planning document. It will equip conservation partners with transparent, spatially explicit tools that make every limited restoration dollar count. In an era when wetland loss continues and climate pressures intensify, the ability to identify and prioritize the most effective actions is itself a form of conservation infrastructure.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate who steps into this role will help write the next chapter of Michigan’s contribution to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. They will leave a lasting imprint on the landscape—priority wetlands protected or restored, decision tools in active use, and a collaborative network strengthened for future challenges.
If your skills align with large-dataset analysis, geospatial modeling, programming in R or Python, and clear stakeholder communication, this opportunity deserves serious consideration. The application window is open now. Visit https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=117778, prepare your materials, and take the step that could shape waterfowl habitat conservation across Michigan for years to come.
The wetlands, the waterfowl, and the partners who care for them are waiting for the next generation of rigorous, actionable science. This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is the vehicle to deliver it.