Season/hours: July through December, approximately 10 hours a week. Work is task-driven, so scheduling is flexible and can involve hybrid or remote work.

Summary: This internship offers candidates an opportunity to apply geospatial technology skills to enhance the day-to-day operations of the EIC while managing and organizing critical spatial datasets. Working independently and outdoors, the Parkhurst Fellow will design interactive maps and ArcGIS StoryMaps that translate complex ecological data into engaging visual stories. This unique role allows a motivated student to bridge technical GIS workflows with public environmental education and conservation. 

The intern will be supervised and mentored by the EIC Director and will collaborate with EIC Staff.

• GIS mapping
• Generate and update Storymaps
• Organize spatial data

• Data Development and Management: Create, organize, and update spatial data for the EIC.
• Map Design: Build interactive maps and engaging ArcGIS StoryMaps.
• GIS Best Practices : Develop best practices for managing and growing spatial datasets.
• Environmental Interpretation: Communicate ecological knowledge through visual deliverables.

The Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) is seeking a motivated student for the Parkhurst Fellowship. This role focuses on developing, organizing, and managing spatial data. The fellow will design interactive maps and ArcGIS StoryMaps specific to the EIC's mission, history, and ongoing activities. This position combines technical GIS skills with a passion for natural history and outdoor exploration. 

• Academic Focus: Open to all majors.
• Technical Interest: Strong formal training in the application of geospatial technologies and digital storytelling.
• Environmental Passion: Deep commitment to learning about the natural world, biodiversity, and conservation.
• Independent: Comfortable working outdoors, when necessary, in the UM-Dearborn Environmental Study Area.
• Core Skills: High initiative, adaptability, strong leadership, and excellent interpersonal communication.

• Familiar with EIC mission and goals.
• Formally trained using a diversity of ArcGIS software programs and apps.
• Ability to receive and integrate feedback from staff and visitors into map design and goals.
• Ability to work independently and solve technical problems.

The Kenneth and Marion Parkhurst Natural Areas Fellowship is designed to provide experiential learning for a prospective leader in environmental interpretation and community education. This fellowship provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience promoting environmental awareness through several project-based initiatives.

This Parkhurst Fellow will spearhead independent projects focused on developing spatial data and design deliverables. They will assist in visualizing environmental monitoring data, creating interactive storymaps, and managing the digital resources that help our audiences understand the natural world.

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 checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.