M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship Wetland Functional Assessment (Turtle Emphasis), School of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University
STARTING DATE: May, July, or August 2016 CLOSING DATE: Position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed starting February 26, 2016. DESCRIPTION: The School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is searching for an MS student as part of a collaborative project to evaluate wetland functions (biodiversity, water storage, nutrient processing, and sediment retention) on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program wetlands. The thesis research will focus on quantifying relationships between turtle abundance/diversity and habitat characteristics of NRCS wetlands and nearby reference wetlands within West Virginia. The student will be working towards an MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University (http://wildlife.wvu.edu/). QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in wildlife, environmental science, or related field. Minimum GPA of 3.25 and combined quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 300 (~1,100 old scoring system). A strong interest in wetland ecology, turtle ecology, and development of quantitative skills is required. Preference will be given to applicants who have previous field experience in wetlands and working with turtles, and applicants who have experience/knowledge with GIS and Program R. STIPEND: $16,536/year plus health insurance and university tuition waiver. CONTACT: Student will be co-advised by Dr. James T. Anderson and Dr. Donald J. Brown. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest (including your position qualifications), CV, a 500-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on this project, your research interests, and long-term career goals), unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to the following faculty: Dr. Jim Anderson, jim.ander...@mail.wvu.edu<mailto:jim.ander...@mail.wvu.edu> Dr. Donald Brown, donald.bro...@mail.wvu.edu<mailto:donald.bro...@mail.wvu.edu> James T. Anderson, Ph.D. Davis-Michael Professor Forestry and Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources West Virginia University (304) 293-3825 Office http://wildlife.wvu.edu/
