Graduate Assistantship to Study the Effects of Prescribed Fire as Habitat Restoration for Wildlife
We seek a highly motivated graduate student to examine the effects of prescribed fire as habitat restoration for the northern Idaho ground squirrel. The northern Idaho ground squirrel is a threatened mammal endemic to Idaho, which prefers meadows or open forested habitat. Reductions in habitat, presumably from fire suppression, are likely contributors to the decline in northern Idaho ground squirrel populations. This study aims at understanding post-fire nutrient dynamics in soils and plants, which affect both quantity and quality of ground squirrel food. Investigating changes in plant community composition, as well as chemical composition of soils and plants, are important aspects of this study. Research will be conducted in conjunction with Idaho Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest Service. Funding: The competitive stipend for the research assistantship is $16,744 per year for two years, which includes a tuition and fee waiver. Additional years of funding are possible; thus, students potentially interested in a PhD are encouraged to apply as funding may become available. Qualifications: BS degree in biology, ecology, or related field Familiarity with plant, soil, wildlife and/or fire ecology Interest in linking changes in soil and plant nutrient availability to wildlife habitat Desire to interact with land managers and help improve land management decisions Previous research experience and good experimental and field skills are desired Strong verbal and written communication skills Evidence of statistical knowledge, laboratory analytic skills, and ability to publish research results in refereed journals is highly desired. Personal Qualifications: The candidate should be self-motivated, focused, and able to work independently and as part of a team. You should be capable of driving to remote sites on 4WD roads, hiking several kilometers, withstanding harsh field conditions, and willing to camp in primitive areas. Field work will be located near beautiful McCall in central Idaho. How to Apply: Please email the following to Beth Newingham at b...@uidaho.edu: (1) your resume or CV (including GRE scores and percentiles); (2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience, and (3) contact information for three references. Students must also apply to the University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies (see www.grad.uidaho.edu). Further questions can be directed to Dr. Newingham at 208-885-6538 or via e-mail at b...@uidaho.edu. Additional information about the Newingham Ecology Lab can be found at www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~beth. Information about the University of Idahos College of Natural Resources can be found at www.cnr.uidaho.edu. Applications will be considered starting December 5, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is Spring 2010 to assure sampling for the spring and summer of 2010.
