M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship- Loggerhead Shrike Population Survey Design and Population Assessment: West Virginia University

School: West Virginia University

Location: West Virginia and Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://forestry.wvu.edu/faculty_staff/christopher_lituma

Salary: $16,536/year plus health insurance and university tuition waiver

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

    The School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is searching for an MS student to help develop surveys for Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), using playback, automated recording unit technology, and decoys. Loggerhead Shrikes populations continue to experience range-wide declines (3.2%/year), and are a species listed as greatest conservation need in West Virginia and Virginia. The research project will focus on grazed high-elevation pastures in West Virginia and Virginia, and reclaimed mine lands in West Virginia. In addition to Loggerhead Shrikes, the student will be asked to survey for other grassland and early successional bird species to develop multi-species occupancy and abundance models. This student will work with cooperators from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as well as private landowners. The student will be working towards an MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University (http://wildlife.wvu.edu/).

 

Qualifications:

     The ideal applicant should be familiar with grassland/early successional bird identification by sight and sound via point counts or other bird survey experiences. Applicant should also be familiar with plant species identification, collecting vegetation measurements, and preference will be given to applicants with GIS experience. Applicants should be comfortable working long days in the field during hot summer months, and energetic and excited about applied avian conservation research. Applicants will also be responsible for hiring and supervising a research team. These data are being collected in conjunction with a loggerhead shrike banding effort supervised by state agencies. 

 

Qualifications:

     Applicants must have completed a BS in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field. Applicants must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the previous scale or 300 on the current scale, and a minimum 3.25 GPA. Applicant can begin as early as January 2016 or as late as May 2017, depending on applicant pool and student timeline. Position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin immediately.

To Apply: 

     Electronic applications are preferred. Send a single file including: 

1) Cover letter outlining any relevant work experiences with bird surveys or grassland birds 

2) Resume including unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores

3) Contact information for 3 references to Dr. Chris Lituma; cml0017@mail.wvu.edu

     For more information please contact Dr. Chris Lituma (cml0017@mail.wvu.edu)