Position: Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.), Wildlife & Fisheries Science Location: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, South Dakota State University
Project: Seeking a highly motivated student (M.S. level) interested in wetland plant ecology. The goals of the study are to resurvey the plant communities on wetlands that were originally studied in the early 1960s to assess changes in the wetland plant community, zonation, and water conditions, and to evaluate the roles of land use practices and changing climate. Original information from these wetlands were fundamental to the development of Stewart and Kantrud?s 1971 wetland classification system for glaciated pothole wetlands, which remains a standard reference for the Prairie Pothole Region. Over the 50 years since the original data were collected, the wetlands have experienced dynamic conditions of drought and flood; some have been grazed or burned. The student will work closely with Drs. Jane E. Austin and Robert A. Gleason at the U.S. Geological Survey?s Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. This Center is a recognized leader in wetland and avian ecology for the Prairie Pothole Region (www.npwrc.usgs.gov). The project entails field work (plant surveys, water quality measures), GIS analysis of spatial data, and data analyses. Field work will be conducted during 2013-2014 on federal lands on 3 study areas, with the assistance of a seasonal technician. Summer housing will be available at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Woodworth, ND. Qualifications: B.S. degree in botany, plant ecology, wildlife, or related field; strong written and oral communication skills; interest/experience with wetland or plant ecology and plant taxonomy; competitive GPA (>3.2) and GRE scores (>1,100 combined verbal/quantitative). Strong interest and/or experience in wetland and plant ecology and plant taxonomy are desired. Salary: $17,800 (includes out-of-state tuition waiver) Closing date: Open until position is filled I encourage interested students to contact me for more details about the study at 701-253-5510 or via email [email protected] Submit (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume, (3) names and addresses of three references, (4) copies of academic transcripts and (5) GRE scores via the contact information below. **************************************************** Jane Austin US Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 8711 37th Street SE Jamestown, ND 58401 Phone: 701-253-5510 Fax: 701-253-5553 Email: [email protected] *************************************************** When we talk among ourselves, all we get back are echoes. But when we talk with others of a different mind, we are made to think. And it is in thinking that we learn, and in learning that we grow. Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada
