Research Technician (Temp) – Youth Community Programs

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Position Summary

The Wayne State University Center for Urban Studies is seeking part-time Research Technicians to support youth-focused community service, neighborhood improvement, public health, and resident outreach activities through the AmeriCorps Urban Safety and Detroit Youth Service Corps programs.

Under the supervision of the program’s field coordinator, the Research Technician will assist with community outreach, neighborhood canvassing, distribution of health and safety information, community events, data collection, and general program operations. The position is designed to provide youth employees with structured work experience while supporting community-based projects throughout Detroit and surrounding communities.

Essential Duties

• Participate in supervised neighborhood canvassing and resident outreach activities.
• Distribute approved program materials, flyers, health and safety information, and community resources.
• Assist with neighborhood cleanups, beautification projects, and other community improvement activities.
• Support community events, workshops, resource distributions, and resident engagement activities.
• Assist program staff with organizing, preparing, loading, unloading, and distributing program supplies.
• Collect basic program information using approved forms, surveys, sign-in sheets, or electronic data-collection tools.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, materials distributed, residents contacted, and assigned tasks completed.
• Attend required orientation sessions, safety training, staff meetings, and youth development workshops.
• Follow all university, program, transportation, workplace safety, and youth employment policies.
• Work cooperatively with other youth employees, AmeriCorps members, university staff, community partners, and residents.
• Maintain professional and respectful conduct while representing Wayne State University in the community.
• Perform other related program-support duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Must meet all applicable age and eligibility requirements for youth employment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate respectfully with staff, residents, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Willingness to participate in indoor and outdoor community-service activities.
• Ability to complete required university employment and minor-onboarding documentation.

Physical and Work Requirements

The employee may be required to:

• Walk or stand for extended periods during outreach and community activities.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, subject to program safety protocols.
• Lift, carry, or move program supplies weighing approximately 10 to 25 pounds, with assistance when necessary.
• Enter and exit university or program vehicles.
• Travel to approved community-service locations with authorized program staff.
• Use basic office equipment, tablets, mobile devices, or paper forms to document activities.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable university policies and law.

School/College/Division: H32 - Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Primary department: H6614 - Center Urban Studies (H6614)

Employment type: Temporary Employee, Job type: Fractional Time, Job category: Research

Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Hourly Wage, Hourly rate: TBD

Working conditions: Office environment

Job openings: Number of openings: 4

Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.