PhD Assistantship in Rangeland Ecosystem Services: Idaho – flexible University of Idaho, United States
Description
We are seeking an outstanding student to pursue a PhD at the University of Idaho in either (student’s choice): the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, the Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, or the Water Resources Program. The project will evaluate effects of livestock grazing of riparian habitats on ecological services including provisioning of resources for greater sage-grouse. The student will evaluate responses of plants important to sage-grouse but will be expected to develop additional questions related to wildlife habitat or other ecological services and livestock grazing management. The successful applicant will be responsible for: (1) conducting field survey work at public lands grazing allotments in southern Idaho and western Wyoming; (2) analyzing and interpreting data collected from the field; and (3) publishing results from the study in peer-reviewed journals. Fieldwork involves plant species identification in riparian habitats and working around livestock. The position offers a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary training and excellent preparation for a career in rangeland ecology. The successful applicant will be funded through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. The student will be co-advised by Drs. Tracey Johnson (website: http://traceynjohnson.com) and Melinda Ellison (https://www.uidaho.edu/cals/animal-and-veterinary-science/our-people/melinda-ellison). Start date flexible; open until filled
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in range science, wildlife science, animal science, or related field; minimum GPA 3.0. Applicants with strong quantitative skills, a background in habitat ecology, and experience conducting research in riparian systems, sagebrush steppe, or western grasslands will be given preference. The successful applicant must be capable of collecting data under adverse field conditions (heat, rattlesnakes, etc.) and of successfully and safely supervising field technicians in remote locations; must have a strong work ethic, strong verbal communication and writing skills, and the ability to work well independently and with permittees and state and federal agency personnel; must have a driving record that will allow use of state vehicles.
Preferred qualifications
Master’s degree in range science, wildlife science, animal science, or related field; background in spatial ecology, familiarity with GIS, and riparian ecology; experience publishing in the primary literature.
Start date flexible
Open until filled
Contact Person
Tracey Johnson
Contact Phone
5035391076
Contact Email
Website
