Human dimensions of fire A graduate research position is available at the M.S. or Ph.D. level to study human dimensions of fire management. The position will be located within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in the labs of Dirac Twidwell and Craig Allen.
Project description: The goal of this project is to understand private landowner’s attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to juniper invasions in grasslands and the adoption of fire. A recent history of natural resource agency investments (via cost-share programs with private landowners) in Nebraska has led to a natural experiment that will compare the following cost-share approaches: • Cost-sharing mechanical removal without active attempts to increase fire adoption (Traditional cost-share model) • Cost-sharing mechanical removal with priority for voluntary agreement of cost-share recipients to use prescribed fire following initial agency investment • Cost-sharing mechanical removal with the specific intent of increasing prescribed fire capabilities within a neighbor-help-neighbor prescribed burn association The student will use these cost-share approaches to develop and conduct surveys with previous cost- share recipients to determine the reasons landowners have, or have not, followed up with control of juniper after initial agency investment. Surveys will also be sent to landowners within priority landscapes that did not receive cost-share support to determine if cost-share funding is having a broader impact and leading to adoption beyond a single individual recipient. Qualifications: The successful candidate will be highly motivated, passionate about scientific inquiry, possess excellent writing and communication skills, and publish research in refereed scientific journals. Prospective M.S. students and Ph.D. students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores. Contact and application information: Students interested in this position should send a statement of interest with research qualifications and career goals, GPA and GRE scores, your most recent transcript (unofficial is fine) and a CV that includes contact information for three references (email preferred). Please send applications to Dirac Twidwell (dirac.twidw...@unl.edu). Funding is available to start immediately. Full funding is available at a stipend rate for $25,980 for Ph.D. students and $24,120 for M.S. students. Full tuition waiver and graduate student health benefits are provided at a reduced rate. Review of applications will begin June 8, 2016, and continue until a qualified candidate is identified.
