Environmental Jobs at Michigan State University with Visa Sponsorship
Michigan State University's environmental roles span research, compliance, sustainability, and land management across a large public research campus. MSU has a consistent record of sponsoring international candidates for environmental positions, making it a realistic target if you're building a U.S. career in environmental science, policy, or natural resources.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
Basic Job Function: The MSU Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Program is seeking a motivated and highly organized Research Assistant to help manage, coordinate, and conduct nutrient-focused field research across major Michigan cropping systems. The Steinke Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Program investigates nutrient management, fertilizer, and nutrient-contamination issues of corn, soybean, wheat, sugarbeet, potato, dry bean, and several other cropping systems. Our goal is to use applied field research to provide science-based research and extension information that improves crop production, increases nutrient and ecological efficiencies, and incorporates progressive nutrient management strategies for production agricultural systems.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead a coordinated applied field nutrient management research program including the timely implementation of field research projects and the ability to organize, design, plant, maintain, and harvest field research trials.
- Coordinate year-round field research activities including data collection, managing research records, experimental design, coordinating activities across multiple farms and farm managers.
- Develop research projects and monitor protocols for nutrient management from field plot to watershed scales.
- Supervise, train, and mentor activities for graduate students, visiting interns, and undergraduate student support.
- Collect, organize, summarize, and analyze experimental data for contributions to research summaries and extension materials.
- Assist with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of field equipment and plot application equipment including backpack sprayers and spray booms.
- Participate in outreach activities, meetings, presentations, and assist with ideas for the development of research publications and other educational materials.
- Maintain meticulous year-to-year records of field activities, methods, materials, and experimental results to ensure quality and reproducibility.
- Must be familiar with different fertilizers, fertilizer analyses, nutrient application methods and techniques, and application equipment calibration.
Key Attributes of Successful Candidates:
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple ongoing projects across locations.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills to foster collaboration amongst farm crew and managers, students, and faculty.
- Passion for applied field research and a willingness to work outdoors under varying conditions.
- Dependability and initiative in managing project logistics, data collection, and timelines.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or closely related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory/farm equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, performing field operations utilizing research, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed.
Additional requirements include:
- Valid vehicle operator license
- Ability to obtain a medical certificate
- Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license required with 1 month of hiring
- Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with “Group A” designation required within 3 months of hiring
- Knowledge pertaining to the use and application of agricultural chemicals and following appropriate safety procedures
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in agronomy, soil science, or closely related field
- Experience with production row-crop agriculture and demonstrated proficiency in conducting field research
- Effective verbal and written communication skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office
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
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
- Two letters of reference including names and contact information
Special Instructions
Address any questions to Dr. Kurt Steinke (ksteinke@msu.edu). Submit application documents to careers.msu.edu
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Summary of Physical Demands
Must to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Summary of Health Risks
Drive a university vehicle, which requires a commercial driver’s license:
- VEHICLES:
- Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- COMBINATION VEHICLES:
- Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
- ANY VEHICLES:
- Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical certification:
- VEHICLES:
- Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- COMBINATION VEHICLES:
- Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
- ANY VEHICLES:
- Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.
- Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).
- Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.
Bidding eligibility ends April 7, 2026 at 11: 55 P.M.
Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
Basic Job Function: The MSU Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Program is seeking a motivated and highly organized Research Assistant to help manage, coordinate, and conduct nutrient-focused field research across major Michigan cropping systems. The Steinke Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Program investigates nutrient management, fertilizer, and nutrient-contamination issues of corn, soybean, wheat, sugarbeet, potato, dry bean, and several other cropping systems. Our goal is to use applied field research to provide science-based research and extension information that improves crop production, increases nutrient and ecological efficiencies, and incorporates progressive nutrient management strategies for production agricultural systems.
Position Responsibilities:
- Lead a coordinated applied field nutrient management research program including the timely implementation of field research projects and the ability to organize, design, plant, maintain, and harvest field research trials.
- Coordinate year-round field research activities including data collection, managing research records, experimental design, coordinating activities across multiple farms and farm managers.
- Develop research projects and monitor protocols for nutrient management from field plot to watershed scales.
- Supervise, train, and mentor activities for graduate students, visiting interns, and undergraduate student support.
- Collect, organize, summarize, and analyze experimental data for contributions to research summaries and extension materials.
- Assist with the calibration, operation, and maintenance of field equipment and plot application equipment including backpack sprayers and spray booms.
- Participate in outreach activities, meetings, presentations, and assist with ideas for the development of research publications and other educational materials.
- Maintain meticulous year-to-year records of field activities, methods, materials, and experimental results to ensure quality and reproducibility.
- Must be familiar with different fertilizers, fertilizer analyses, nutrient application methods and techniques, and application equipment calibration.
Key Attributes of Successful Candidates:
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple ongoing projects across locations.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills to foster collaboration amongst farm crew and managers, students, and faculty.
- Passion for applied field research and a willingness to work outdoors under varying conditions.
- Dependability and initiative in managing project logistics, data collection, and timelines.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or closely related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory/farm equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, performing field operations utilizing research, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed.
Additional requirements include:
- Valid vehicle operator license
- Ability to obtain a medical certificate
- Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license required with 1 month of hiring
- Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with “Group A” designation required within 3 months of hiring
- Knowledge pertaining to the use and application of agricultural chemicals and following appropriate safety procedures
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in agronomy, soil science, or closely related field
- Experience with production row-crop agriculture and demonstrated proficiency in conducting field research
- Effective verbal and written communication skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office
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
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
- Two letters of reference including names and contact information
Special Instructions
Address any questions to Dr. Kurt Steinke (ksteinke@msu.edu). Submit application documents to careers.msu.edu
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Summary of Physical Demands
Must to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Summary of Health Risks
Drive a university vehicle, which requires a commercial driver’s license:
- VEHICLES:
- Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- COMBINATION VEHICLES:
- Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
- ANY VEHICLES:
- Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver’s license but does require medical certification:
- VEHICLES:
- Having a gross vehicle weight or weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- COMBINATION VEHICLES:
- Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more and a gross combination weight or weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
- ANY VEHICLES:
- Designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.
- Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).
- Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.
Bidding eligibility ends April 7, 2026 at 11: 55 P.M.
See all 28+ Environmental at Michigan State University jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental at Michigan State University roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Environmental Jobs at Michigan State University Jobs
Align your credentials with MSU's research focus
MSU's environmental hires often support funded research programs in areas like Great Lakes ecology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy. Tailor your CV to highlight fieldwork, lab skills, or policy experience that maps directly to active MSU research units.
Identify which department is actually hiring
Environmental roles at MSU sit across multiple units including the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Environmental Science and Policy, and campus sustainability operations. Targeting the right department improves your chances because each unit controls its own hiring and sponsorship decisions.
Secure OPT authorization before your graduation date
If you're on F-1 status, apply for OPT through your DSO at least 90 days before graduation. MSU is E-Verify enrolled, which qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a qualifying environmental or natural sciences field.
Ask about LCA filing timelines during the offer stage
MSU must file a Labor Condition Application with DOL before submitting your H-1B petition. Confirm with the hiring department whether their HR timeline accounts for LCA certification, which typically adds two to four weeks before USCIS filing can begin.
Use Migrate Mate to filter MSU environmental openings by visa type
MSU posts environmental roles across several portals and departments, making it easy to miss relevant openings. Migrate Mate lets you filter active MSU environmental jobs by the visa sponsorship types you need, so you can focus your applications strategically.
Prepare for PERM if your role becomes permanent
Long-term environmental staff at MSU often transition from H-1B to Green Card through the PERM labor certification process. DOL requires MSU to document that no qualified U.S. workers were available, so keeping records of your unique qualifications throughout employment strengthens that case later.
Environmental at Michigan State University jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Environmental at Michigan State University JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan State University sponsor H-1B visas for Environmentals?
Yes, Michigan State University sponsors H-1B visas for environmental positions. MSU is a cap-exempt institution as a nonprofit university, which means it can file H-1B petitions with USCIS year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. This is a significant advantage for international candidates in environmental science, sustainability, or natural resource management roles.
Which visa types are commonly used for Environmental roles at Michigan State University?
Environmental roles at MSU are commonly filled through H-1B, J-1 (for research scholars and visiting scientists), F-1 OPT and STEM OPT extension, and TN visas for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying environmental science occupations. For permanent hires, MSU also pursues EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process administered by DOL.
What qualifications or experience are expected for Environmental positions at Michigan State University?
Most environmental roles at MSU require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field, with many research or specialist positions requiring a master's degree or Ph.D. Practical experience in field sampling, GIS analysis, environmental compliance, or sustainability program management is commonly expected depending on the specific unit hiring.
How do I apply for Environmental jobs at Michigan State University?
You can apply through MSU's official careers portal, but roles are distributed across multiple departments and can be easy to miss. Migrate Mate aggregates MSU environmental job postings and filters them by visa sponsorship type, so you can identify which openings are realistic for your immigration situation before applying. Submit a CV that directly references relevant MSU research areas or campus sustainability priorities.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take at Michigan State University?
Because MSU is cap-exempt, it can file your H-1B petition at any point during the year rather than waiting for the April lottery window. Standard USCIS processing takes three to five months after filing. MSU's HR office must first obtain a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL, which adds roughly two to four weeks before the USCIS petition can be submitted.
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