M.S. Assistantship — Sampling Design Enhancement for Gopher Tortoises: University of Georgia

School: :Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Georgia

Location: Athens, GA, plus field locations

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website:https://sites.google.com/site/ctmoorelab/opportunities

Salary: $19,551/yr

Last Date to Apply: 12/31/2016

 

Description: 

     We are seeking an M.S. student to help improve the way that gopher tortoises are counted in line transect surveys, especially the youngsters. Line transect distance sampling is a widely used survey method across the tortoise range, but the approach has a hard time finding the burrows of small tortoises, or burrows of any size in dense understory conditions. We would like to investigate ways to enhance the basic design so that more accurate population assessment is possible. We are looking for a mature, self-starter who will: 

(1) Conduct research into effective ways to unbiasedly sample patchily-distributed and secretive animals.

(2) Run computer-based simulations and field trials on test objects to compare alternative survey designs. 

(3) Test survey designs on tortoise population sites before and after prescribed burning, where tortoise burrows are more easily revealed.

(4) Use appropriate computational tools to organize, summarize, and analyze data.

(5) Write reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts to summarize findings.

 

Qualifications:

     The focus of this work is on sampling and estimation, so candidates of best fit for this position will have excellent quantitative skills, particularly in areas of statistical sampling. The research involves a significant field component, most often in hot, buggy conditions. Minimum GPA and GRE requirements for enrollment in the Warnell Graduate Program are found at https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-students.
     The assistantship provides $19,551 per year for 2.5 years and includes student health insurance coverage. Tuition is waived as a condition of assistantship support, but not mandatory fees; however, $500 per semester (Fall and Spring) is additionally provided to defray a portion of these fees. 

     Last Date to Apply: Open until filled; applications submitted by October 28, 2016 are guaranteed full consideration. Starting Date: January 5, 2017.

      Interested applicants should send a cover letter, a CV, and an example of your writing to Dr. Clint Moore (ctmoore@uga.edu) at the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.