Deer Management Assistant Coordinator

Seasonal/Temporary position from September 28 2026 – December 31 2026.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation and in coordination with the Land Stewardship Coordinator, the Deer Management Assistant Coordinator provides operational support for the Meridian Township Deer Management Program. The position assists with coordination, transportation, documentation, storage, and distribution of harvested deer and processed venison during the annual managed harvest season. Responsibilities include transporting deer to required testing facilities and processing locations, coordinating with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and contracted processors, maintaining required records, managing the deer management cooler, and coordinating the distribution of donated venison to participating food banks. The position requires flexibility in work hours, including evenings and weekends, based on harvest activity and program needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinate with the Farmers Market Manager to ensure the deer management cooler is emptied and available for use following completion of the Gleaning Project.
• Clean, sanitize, and prepare the deer management cooler for the seasonal harvest, including installation of appropriate blocking, tarps, and other protective materials.
• Create and maintain accurate cooler use and deer management log sheets and other required documentation.
• During the managed harvest season, coordinate and transport harvested deer to designated testing, processing, and collection locations.
• Coordinate with the deer processor and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to ensure required testing is completed for harvested deer.
• Lift and load/unload harvested deer into a truck and ensure appropriate tagging, documentation, and reporting requirements are completed.
• Verify that MDNR confirmation numbers correspond with the appropriate hunting licenses and processor records.
• Beginning approximately the second or third week of the managed harvest season, coordinate the pickup and transportation of processed venison for distribution to participating food banks in conjunction with ongoing deer collection activities.
• Clean and disinfect the deer management cooler at least twice weekly and as needed throughout the season to maintain appropriate sanitary conditions.
• Maintain communication with Township staff, hunters, processors, food banks, MDNR representatives, and other program partners as necessary to support the successful operation of the Deer Management Program.
• Follow all applicable Township policies, safety procedures, MDNR regulations, and program protocols.
• Perform related work as required.

Requirements

• Two or more years of experience hunting and/or processing white‑tailed deer.
• Working knowledge of deer handling, field dressing, transportation, and processing procedures.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn applicable Michigan Department of Natural Resources hunting, tagging, reporting, and testing requirements.
• Ability to safely handle and transport harvested deer and processed venison.
• Ability to perform physical work associated with deer management activities.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and other non‑traditional hours as required by program operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when maintaining records and documentation.
• Effective and professional communication with Township staff, hunters, contractors, community partners, and the public.
• Proficiency with computers, office equipment, and related technology; willingness to learn new software and systems.
• Commitment to conservation, responsible natural resource management, and the objectives of the Meridian Township Deer Management Program.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid State of Michigan driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role regularly requires talking, hearing, and viewing physical sites or documentation. The employee frequently stands, walks, uses hands to handle items, and reaches with arms. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch, and frequently lifts and/or moves items of light weight. Work is performed in both a business office setting and in the field; field work may expose the employee to outside weather conditions. Noise levels are usually quiet in the office and may become loud in field situations.