| Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email, and others, are available in this folder.
 If you or someone you know is interested in working with the DNR, now is a great time to explore options ranging from full-time firefighters and summer park workers to short-term wildlife technicians and historical interpreters.
The DNR is looking for:
- More than 1,300 summer park workers and 60 seasonal park rangers.
- Temporary wildlife workers in positions across the state, in roles that help maintain healthy wildlife populations.
- Full-time, peak-season and on-call wildland firefighters.
- Foresters and forest technicians to help manage public land for varied uses, including outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, timber production and more.
- Seasonal park interpreters to lead hikes/activities and present fun programs tied to each park’s unique natural and cultural resources.
- Historical interpreters who will hone their skills in education program creation and presentation, exhibit development, collections care and site operations.
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New opportunity: Nature Awaits
The DNR also is hiring and training seasonal educators to lead the Nature Awaits program! Through Nature Awaits – announced as part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2024/25 budget in October – all fourth grade classrooms are eligible for a FREE field trip to select state parks for a hands-on experience tied to science, social studies, physical fitness and language arts curriculum standards.
Nature Awaits educators will work no more than 29 hours per week during “shoulder seasons” in the parks: April-June and September-November. Applicants must have a high school diploma, and college coursework in natural sciences, education, or parks and recreation is strongly recommended.
Questions?
For specifics on each opportunity, contact individual program areas:
All DNR jobs
In addition to these opportunities, there are current postings for DNR career positions such as marketing research coordinator and fisheries research biologist manager. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRJobs for more information about these active DNR job openings.
 Calling all off-road vehicle enthusiasts!
Here’s your opportunity to work alongside DNR staff to help maintain and protect the more than 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV riding routes and scramble areas.
The DNR is accepting applications for an opening on the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup, which consists of seven people each serving four-year terms and contributing as volunteers (travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement). The group, which works closely with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council, meets quarterly at varying locations around the state.
“Michigan’s ORV Advisory Workgroup is dedicated to raising awareness about the use of public lands by ORV enthusiasts to respect, protect and enjoy,” said Jessica Holley-Roehrs, state motorized trails program specialist. “Each person on the committee is familiar with the importance of cooperation among different trail user groups and offers their perspective on the issues facing our volunteer organizations, helps shape policy and works with the DNR trails staff to ensure the future of ORV access to public land across Michigan.”
The ideal candidate is an individual who represents ORV communities.
“Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience – it isn’t overly time-consuming and provides an opportunity for avid ORV riders to share their insight and connect with others who enjoy the sport and want to contribute to our state’s ORV opportunities,” Holley-Roehrs said.
With thousands of miles of state-designated ORV trails, scramble areas, (eligible) county, state forest and national forest roads, and frozen surfaces of public waters, Michigan is a top destination for ORV riders of all levels.
Interested? Apply for the position by filling out this form. The DNR will accept applications through March 15. For more information, contact Anna Centofanti at 517-331-6219. |
 The celebration of trees is part of two spring 5K run/walk events organized by the DNR, and you can join the fun.
First up: the March 23 Lumberjack Pancake Run, which takes place along the Dequindre Cut in Detroit and honors Michigan’s lumber history. You’ll get a custom medal, lumberjack buff, Outdoor Adventure Center entry and a pancake breakfast.
Wear your finest flannel apparel or sport your best lumberjack beard. If family and friends want to join the pancake breakfast, extra food tickets are available for $5 each. Stick around after breakfast for the Outdoor Adventure Center’s Lumberjack Day, featuring maple syrup tasting, a chainsaw artist demo and more.
“The theme of the race was chosen to honor and open discussions about the importance of the lumber era in Michigan’s history,” said Patrick Endres, interpreter at the OAC. “Lumberjack Day is all about celebrating Michigan forests by highlighting natural and cultural topics through hands-on activities and sharing historical information.”
Questions? Contact Patrick Endres at [email protected] or Emily Grant at [email protected].
Support tree-planting efforts
 Take part in the April 22-26 Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K, an event that started in Michigan and has expanded to include tree-planting efforts in nine other states. In addition to a T-shirt, medal and bib, you’ll receive a happy little sticker as a thank-you for your continued support of tree plantings.
“This virtual race is a perfect trifecta: people being active and spending time outdoors, celebrating their love of trees and honoring legendary artist and outdoor enthusiast Bob Ross,” said Michelle O’Kelly, fund developer and Happy Little Trees race director for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We are incredibly proud to be helping expand this positive impact across the United States.”
Race packets will start shipping March 1. To guarantee shipment before the race, please register by April 1. Online registration closes April 15.
Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at [email protected]. |
 See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Sarah Goodwin, for the Michigan DNR, at Grand Haven State Park in Ottawa County).
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