RESEARCH ASST I (Student/Work Study) - BIO (Wildlife)

Summary

In 2011, researchers started a project to increase the population of Blanding's turtles at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) in Saginaw County, Michigan, USA by head-starting Blanding's turtles and releasing them back into the SNWR. Since then, several restoration projects have taken place throughout the refuge and little follow-up research has been performed to determine the current population structure of Blanding's turtles at SNWR The goal of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the head-start program in augmenting the population of Blanding's turtles at SNWR. Specifically, the aims of this research are to:

• Estimate the population size of Blanding's turtles at SNWR and compare the current population to historic populations
• Determine population demographics of Blanding's turtles at SNWR
• Investigate changes in habitat use of Blanding's turtles at SNWR following population and habitat restoration efforts
• Complete habitat assessments and characterize the soils of turtle nesting sites at SNWR.
  
  
  

Responsibilities*

• Set and check turtle traps weekly at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
• Attach radio transmitters to turtles and track turtles using radio telemetry each week
• Take morphometric measurements of Blanding's turtles and record habitat conditions at capture locations
• Walk transects with PIT system to locate and capture additional Blanding's Turtles
• Locate Blanding's turtle nest locations and measure habitat variables
  
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• Must be a current University of Michigan-Flint undergraduate student in good academic standing or recently graduated from a UM-Flint undergraduate program and not currently enrolled in a graduate program
• Must have successfully completed BIO 111 Organismal Biology, BIO 113 Principles of Biology, and BIO 327 Ecology
• Must be able to work under typical field conditions during spring, summer and fall in Michigan
• Should have good organization skills and must be reliable
• Must be able to work well with others as most research will be completed as part of a team of researchers
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications*

Preference given to students in the Wildlife Biology Program and experience working with turtles or knowledge of turtle biology desired.

Work Schedule

This position is for the Summer 2024 semester, but could possibly extend into October 2024.

Additional Information

University of Michigan-Flint - Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The University of Michigan-Flint's DEI plan can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/dei/?

The University of Michigan-Flint exhibits its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through enacting fair practices, policies, and procedures particularly in support of the equitable participation of the historically underserved. UM-Flint recognizes the value of diversity in our efforts to provide equitable access and opportunities to all regardless of individual identities in support of a climate where everyone feels a sense of belonging, community, and agency.

Diversity is a core value at University of Michigan-Flint. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty. The University of Michigan-Flint seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning for the purpose of becoming global citizens in a connected world.

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Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fourth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.