Researcher/Potential Masters position: Texas Christian University

School: Texas Christian University

Location: Fort Worth, Texas/Muenster, Texas

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Initial research position is $480 a week. In addition, teaching assistant stipend and tuition is available contingent on application and selection on the Masters program.

Start Date: 05/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

     In partnership with NextEra Energy Resources, we have been investigating the direct and indirect impacts of wind energy on birds and bats at Wolf Ridge Wind, LLC in north-central Texas since 2009. We have been testing potential mitigation strategies at wind turbine towers and in an experimental setting intended to reduce bat mortality at wind turbines. For the first of the two potential studies, we will be conducting field surveys at a wind resource facility, including fatality searches, acoustic monitoring and behavioral studies. For our second project, we will be conducting behavioral studies in a controlled setting and includes animal husbandry and mist netting. To assist in these research projects, we require researchers to organize, supervise, conduct day and nightly surveys, analyze video, and acoustic data and write progress reports. We are looking for candidates that would want to include and continue this research in our master’s program at TCU either in Biology or Environmental Science in August 2017. Please note that continuing this research as part of our Masters program will be dependent on performance on the project prior to August 2017.
     As part of the wind-wildlife research team, the candidate will also be required to conduct a number of additional duties including scheduling and training technicians, additional acoustic monitoring at the site, and potentially moth/insect trapping. The applicant will be expected to be able to coordinate with colleagues and problem solve on a daily basis to ensure that quality data are collected. This position requires a flexible, tolerant, and confident personality to be able to quickly and effectively address issues with weather constraints, software use and IT issues, equipment repairs, technical difficulties, work vehicle maintenance, and landowner interactions.

To apply:

    To apply, please e-mail (v.bennett@tcu.edu) with the following information: cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information (e-mail address and phone number) for three references. The cover letter must include all required responsibilities addressed to the best of your abilities as a series of bullet points. For more information please contact: Dr. Tory Bennett (v.bennett@tcu.edu).

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
• More than three months continuous field work experience in wildlife ecology
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of people, including technicians, landowners, and supervisors
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse team of field technicians
• A strong background in data analysis
• Be willing to adhere to all personal safety requirements associated with working on a wind farm
• Ability to work in harsh weather conditions (primarily extreme heat)
• Ability to work alternating day and night schedule
• Be 21 or over in order to drive a work vehicle and have a valid clean U.S. driver’s license
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Up-to-date Rabies pre-exposure vaccination series
• >300 GRE score and GPA of >3.0 to be considered for the master’s program

Preferred Qualifications:
• Ability or interest in identifying bird and invertebrate species