Undergraduate Researcher - ACNC/SOLUR Applied Wildlife Research Training Program

Job Details

Job Location: Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, AZ

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Description

Department: Field Conservation Research Department (FCRD)

Supervisor: FCRD Field Research Project Manager

FLSA Status: Part Time, Seasonal

Pay: For Fall 2024 the stipend payment provided by ASU is paid biweekly and will be prorated based on the start date.

Duration/hours: Fall 2024 program duration is from hire date to December 6, 2024. Number of hours will vary with project workload, but participants are expected to average 10 hours per week (150 hours/semester minimum). Occasional weekend field trips lasting 2-3 days may occur. This position will be majority in-person with the flexibility to work from home on occasion and as needed.

Application Submission Deadline: 7/8/2024

General Statement

The ACNC/SOLUR Applied Wildlife Research Training Program, Undergraduate Researcher position enters into a mentorship with ACNC/Phoenix Zoo researchers conducting in situ wildlife research with the Zoo’s Field Conservation Research Department (FCRD) and will also have access to Arizona State University School of Life Sciences (SoLS) researchers. The Undergraduate Researcher is exposed to all aspects of the scientific method, including observation, experimental design, and data collection and analysis, while drawing on the academic expertise of ASU faculty and the species conservation expertise of ACNC/Phoenix Zoo staff. Specifically, the Undergraduate Researcher will work with ACNC staff on applied wildlife conservation projects including camera-trap data management supporting ongoing research on jaguars and other threatened species. This research has the potential to become a Barrett Honor’s thesis (or capstone/other project) and could continue into Spring 2025.

Essential Duties

• Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive, and professional) working attitude and appearance.
• Review and summarize relevant scientific literature, as directed, to help guide research design.
• Design and carry out applied research under the supervision and direction of the Field Project Research Manager. Apply appropriate data analysis techniques to quantify collected data and participate in the preparation of a manuscript or report about the research.
• Participate in appropriate field conservation/research activities as assigned, under the supervision of Phoenix Zoo staff.
• Interact with both volunteers and Learning & Engagement staff to support designated public experiences and other communication activities.
  
  

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrollment at ASU as a full-time undergraduate (12.0 hours or more per semester) with a major in the School of Life Sciences.
• Completion of at least 24 hours of college coursework.
• Keen attention to detail and computer file/data management skills.
• Willingness and ability to participate in multi-day field work, including overnight camping in remote areas.
• Ability to work well in groups and independently.
• Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work indoors and outside, often in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to distinguish between different species of mammals and birds using camera-trap images.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, and clear a tuberculosis test.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in wildlife research and conservation.
• Previous research experience.
• Experience with camera-trapping, photography, native Arizona wildlife.
• Camping and/or hiking experience.
• Graduating May 2025 or after.
  
  

Additional Details/Requirements

• Candidates must complete the ACNC/Phoenix Zoo application by the posted deadline. See https://www.phoenixzoo.org/careers/
• A cover letter explaining interest in the program and any experience with research and/or conservation efforts must be submitted within the application.
• An unofficial transcript must be submitted with the application.
• The accepted candidate will also need to apply for a SOLUR Scholar position through the ASU School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Program. Contact SOLUR@asu.edu for more information.