Deer Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you a dependable, self-starter, customer focused individual committed to conservation and responsible natural resource management?  We are looking for an experienced white-tailed deer hunter to provide operational support for the Meridian Township Deer Management Program.

Position Type and Duration: Seasonal/Temporary 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 the 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:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

An employee in this position may be called upon to perform any or all of the following essential functions. These examples are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Coordinate with the Farmers Market Manager to ensure the deer management cooler is emptied and available for use following completion of the Gleaning Project.
2. Clean, sanitize, and prepare the deer management cooler for the seasonal harvest, including installation of appropriate blocking, tarps, and other protective materials.
3. Create and maintain accurate cooler use and deer management log sheets and other required documentation.
4. During the managed harvest season, coordinate and transport harvested deer to designated testing, processing, and collection locations.
5. Coordinate with the deer processor and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to ensure required testing is completed for harvested deer.
6. Must be able to lift and load/unload harvested deer into truck and ensure appropriate tagging, documentation, and reporting requirements are completed.
7. Verify that MDNR confirmation numbers correspond with the appropriate hunting licenses and processor records.
8. 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.
9. Clean and disinfect the deer management cooler at least twice weekly and as needed throughout the season to maintain appropriate sanitary conditions.
10. 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.
11. Follow all applicable Township policies, safety procedures, MDNR regulations, and program protocols.
12. Perform related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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.
• Ability and 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with Township staff, hunters, contractors, community partners, and members of the public.
• Ability to use computers, office equipment, and related technology, and 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 while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Valid State of Michigan driver's license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and view physical sites or documentation. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items of light weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a business office setting and in the field. In the course of field activities, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and may become loud in field situations.