Wildlife Research Assistant

$38,480 - $38,480/Yr

The Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, AZ

Part-time - Intern

Phoenix, AZ

About the position

The Wildlife Research Assistant (WRA) position at The Phoenix Zoo is a part-time internship focused on managing and organizing data from the Atascosa Complex wildlife study. The role involves refining database management, ensuring data accuracy, and facilitating data sharing among team members. The WRA will gain exposure to the formal research process, including question development, study design, and data analysis, while prioritizing data organization and photo/video sorting.

Responsibilities

• Manage, organize, and sort data from the Atascosa Complex Project.
• Ensure data sheets are properly managed and up-to-date.
• Organize data sorting timelines and facilitate data sharing among students.
• Sort and identify data, inventory field gear, and prepare documents for grants and permits as needed.
• Conduct initial analyses and summary statistics under supervision.
• Provide quality guest service to internal and external guests.
• Maintain a friendly, helpful, positive, and professional working attitude.
• Upload and back-up data to provided servers and website platforms.
• Sort videos using the Sandersons Camera Sweet method to prepare data for analysis.
• Identify native Arizona wildlife, especially mammals.
• Make data easily accessible to other volunteers and interns.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a four-year degree track in life sciences with a minimum of 30 credit hours completed; OR a four-year degree in life sciences completed within the last year.
• Keen attention to detail and experience with computer file/data management.
• Ability to creatively troubleshoot technical issues and problem solve.
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife research and conservation.
• Familiarity and previous experience with Arizona wildlife, especially mammals.
• Previous research and/or data management experience, particularly with wildlife camera data in Arizona.
• Ability to work well in groups and independently.
• Ability to bend, stoop, crawl, and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Willingness and ability to participate in multi-day field work, including overnight camping in remote areas.
• Ability to work indoors and outside, often in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Excel and data management software.
• Previous experience in wildlife research or conservation projects.

Benefits

• Part-time paid internship at $18.50/hour.
• Flexible working hours (up to 24 hours/week).
• Exposure to formal research processes and field conservation activities.