RESEARCH ASST I (Student/Work Study)

University of Michigan; Flint (MI); Hybrid; USD 16,531,000 - 24,797,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Michigan-Flint is seeking an undergraduate student to review and classify wildlife images, maintain databases, and support ongoing long-term wildlife ecology research across northern Michigan. You will work with computer-based tools to identify species, manage data with accuracy, and collaborate with a research team while meeting deadlines in a hybrid work setting.

Required coursework in biology, data management skills, and enthusiasm for wildlife research will help you succeed

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Michigan-Flint.
• Completed BIO 327 and two of the courses: BIO 423, BIO 480, BIO 487, BIO 421, BIO 459, BIO 460, or BIO 446.
• Experience using Google Sheets for data entry, organization, and management.
• Ability to learn and effectively use web-based applications and wildlife image classification software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, thorough data management.
• Ability to work independently, manage assigned responsibilities, and demonstrate initiative as a self-directed learner.
• Enthusiasm for wildlife research, species identification, and wildlife ecology.

Responsibilities

• Review and classify camera trap images to identify wildlife species, including mammals and birds native to Michigan, using established camera trap software and digital classification tools.
• Maintain, organize, and update wildlife observation databases to ensure data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and accessibility.
• Assist with ongoing, long-term research examining wildlife responses to silvicultural practices in northern hardwood forests across northern Michigan.
• Independently manage assigned research tasks, meet project deadlines, and follow established data management and research protocols.
• Collaborate with the research team to support data collection, organization, and reporting for wildlife ecology research.

Skills

Data management

Wildlife species identification

Self-directed learning

Attention to detail

Enthusiasm for wildlife research

Education

BIO 327

BIO 423

Undergraduate student - University of Michigan-Flint

Tools

Wildlife Insights

Wildlife image classification software

Google Sheets

Job description

This project involves learning standard camera trap software and programs to classify images of wildlife to species. This is part of a long-term research project spanning all of northern Michigan looking at wildlife responses to silviculture in northern hardwoods. The student should have data management skills, be able to identify mammal and bird species that occupy Michigan, and be familiar with descriptive statistics and using webtools.

Responsibilities*

• Review and classify camera trap images to identify wildlife species, including mammals and birds native to Michigan, using established camera trap software and digital classification tools.
• Maintain, organize, and update wildlife observation databases to ensure data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and accessibility.
• Assist with ongoing, long-term research examining wildlife responses to silvicultural practices in northern hardwood forests across northern Michigan.
• Independently manage assigned research tasks, meet project deadlines, and follow established data management and research protocols.
• Collaborate with the research team to support data collection, organization, and reporting for wildlife ecology research.

Required Qualifications*

• Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at the University of Michigan-Flint.
• Successful completion of BIO 327 and at least two of the following courses: BIO 423, BIO 480, BIO 487, BIO 421, BIO 459, BIO 460, or BIO 446, or equivalent wildlife-related work or volunteer experience.
• Experience using Google Sheets for data entry, organization, and management.
• Ability to learn and effectively use web-based applications and wildlife image classification software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, thorough data management.
• Ability to work independently, manage assigned responsibilities, and demonstrate initiative as a self-directed learner.
• Enthusiasm for wildlife research, species identification, and wildlife ecology.

Desired Qualifications*

• Prior experience with camera trapping, including wildlife image collection, classification, or monitoring.
• Earned a grade of B+ or higher in Mammalogy.
• Experience using Wildlife Insights or similar wildlife image classification and data management platforms.

Modes of Work

Hybrid
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checksare performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Temp job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days.The review and selection process maybegin as early as the fourth day after posting.Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.