Ph. D. assistantship in Wildlife Science Project title: Effects of CRP on northern bobwhite and grassland birds
CP33 Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds is a new continuous signup Conservation Reserve Program practice designed to benefit declining quail and grassland songbird populations. USDA-FSA notice CRP-479 requires that each state that was allocated CP33 acreage develop a monitoring plan following a standardized design developed by the research committee of the southeast quail study group. Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for collating and managing 3 years of bird and digital land use data from approximately 1200 fields (600 CP33, 600 control fields) monitored in 20 states. This is a unique opportunity to determine the effect of a CRP conservation practice on wildlife from the date of initiation using a robust sampling design across a broad region. The applicant will also supervise and coordinate the required state-level monitoring of CP33 contracts in Mississippi. The applicant may develop additional project(s) that complement related projects at Mississippi State. These projects include national assessment of CRP effects on bobwhite and grassland songbirds; the USDA-NRCS/MSU Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative; and field- and farm-level evaluation of CP33 field borders on bobwhite and grassland bird reproductive success. The applicant would have the opportunity to interact with a number of faculty and research staff working on conservation issues in agricultural settings. Qualifications: M.S. in wildlife ecology, ornithology, natural resource/wildlife management, or related field. Candidate should have skills in GIS, statistical analysis or both in addition to interest or experience working with agricultural producers and other private landowners. Successful candidate should be highly motivated with strong academic credentials and high GRE. Starting date: July 1, 2005 or as negotiated Stipend: Starting $18,000 per annum plus complete waiver of tuition fees. Inquiries: This position is contingent on approval of funds. Inquiry emails are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. Sam Riffell (co-project leader) at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and Dr. Wes Burger at [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Please submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter that describes your interest in the position, your career goals, GPA, GRE scores and details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. Mississippi State university is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer. -- Sam Riffell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Box 9690 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS 39762 Phone: (662) 325-0392 FAX: (662) 325-8726 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Physical Address for overnight shipment: Rm 110 Thompson Hall 100 Stone Blvd. Mississippi State, MS 39762
