GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP – FISH BIOASSESSMENT The Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in conjunction with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.) to start in January 2009 to work on a fisheries and water quality project.
In 2004, two segments of High Island Creek in southern Minnesota were listed with the EPA for an impairment noted as “fish community rated poor.” A perceived historical loss of fish species richness catalyzed this listing; however, unlike some biota impairments, the cause was noted as “unknown.” Unknown scenarios pose challenging questions about the factors involved in low fish diversity. In the case of an unknown biotic impairment, the physical impairment(s) that catalyzed biotic change has/have not been identified; therefore, we are seeking a graduate research assistant to help us evaluate potential pollutants, habitat changes, fish assemblages, and stream biological integrity during the 2009 and 2010 field seasons. Activities will include water quality monitoring, fish assemblage assessment, total maximum daily load processes, watershed delineations, habitat assessments, utility of the EPA and the recently developed state of Minnesota stressor identification tools, and participation in the public and agency procedures for impaired waters research. Thesis research will be supported by these activities and will focus on fish assemblage history, current status, and identification of stressors that may lead to fish diversity losses. Compensation for the position is $16,000/year for 2.5 years and a full tuition waiver. The anticipated completion date for this project is May 2011. The Water Resources Center can facilitate M.S. degree programs in Environmental Sciences or Biology, and provides an opportunity to tailor a program to include training in chemistry, GIS, geology, and urban planning as desired. To apply, send the following: 1) Letter of Interest, 2) Resume, 3) Unofficial Transcripts (including GPA), and 4) a list of three references with email and telephone numbers. Send your application to Shannon J. Fisher, Director, Water Resources Center, 184 Trafton Science Center South, Mankato, MN 56001. You may also email your application and direct any questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Graduate students working with the Water Resources Center are fully integrated as part of the team, are provided with a work space, and have access to all of the center’s resources, staff, and undergraduate research interns. Thank you for your interest.
