MS STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
UNIVERSITY OF FLORDIA AND the SOUTH ATLANTIC LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION COOPERATIVE (SALCC) Description: We are seeking a graduate research assistant (MS) to join a collaborative research project with the University of Florida and the South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (SALCC). The SALCC is a partnership of private, state, and federal organizations charged with developing a shared blueprint for landscape conservation actions in the South Atlantic region. The SALCC has developed a group of aquatic ecosystem indicator metrics that are designed to be useful in prioritizing conservation actions within the SALCC. The MS student will work with the SALCC to screen potential indicator metrics of aquatic ecosystem health throughout the south Atlantic region of the US with emphasis on lotic ecosystems. These indicator metrics include landscape level factors such as land use, measures of fish passage and flow modifications, or local measures of fish diversity and endemism. The goal for this research project is to further develop and assess specific indicator metrics through statistical modeling and GIS approaches. The MS student will work as part of a team assisting the SALCC with assessing the value of these metrics as measurable conservation goals, as well as how these metrics may relate to indicators developed for other habitat types or geographic regions. Although multiple research directions are possible, the graduate student will be expected to help develop predictive spatial and statistical models that fit into one or more of the following categories (1) use existing data on riverine fish and invertebrate communities and in-stream habitat (e.g., flow patterns), landscape factors (e.g., land use type, impervious surface), and observed or predicted water quality data to help identify what indicator metrics are common across reference systems within the SALCC, (2) assess and screen the utility of the first round of steering committee approved SALCC indicator metrics, (3) recommend improvements to SALCC indicator metrics given predicted changes in climate, rainfall, and land use patterns within the SALCC. Ideally, indicator metrics will be compared to similar efforts underway with partners at other universities on terrestrial species in the same geographic region. The MS student will be based at the University of Florida and located in the lab of Ben Baiser (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/faculty/baiser/). The MS student will be closely co-advised by Christina Romagosa, and Bill Pine (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/faculty/pineb/). The MS student will also work closely with SALCC members, particularly Dr. Catherine Phillips (USFWS, SALCC aquatic liaison), who will help to facilitate data compilation and interface with SALCC members. The student will also be expected to take advantages of learning opportunities with other lab members on a diverse range of topics including introduced species, community ecology, and sea level rise modeling. We expect the MS student in this position to work closely with management agency and NGO partners in writing manuscripts, presenting scientific papers at research conferences as well as public meetings, and work as part of a team of students that are conducting related field, laboratory, and modeling research at the University of Florida. Graduate tuition, health insurance, and a competitive stipend will be provided. At this time it is uncertain whether the research stipend will be from the University of Florida or if the student will be supported as part of the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) through the USFWS. Because of the potential for a SCEP position, applicants must be US citizens. Location: The MS graduate assistantship position will be based in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and will work closely with other campus partners including the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the USGS Florida Integrated Science Center. The student will be expected to travel several times per semester (funding provided) to meet with SALCC partners throughout the southeastern US. Qualifications: The successful applicant must be creative, motivated, and capable of working well, both independently and cooperatively, within an interdisciplinary group. Minimum qualifications include a BS in ecology, aquatic sciences, biostatistics, ecological engineering, or a related field. Strong quantitative and communication skills are required. While not absolutely required, ideal candidates will have expertise in GIS modeling. Expertise in, or familiarity with, computer programming, spatial statistics, and stream and/or landscape ecology also would prove beneficial. How to apply: Electronically submit a cover letter detailing your interests in this project and how your skills can contribute to its success, CV or resume, unofficial transcripts, and names/contact information of three (3) references to Ben Baiser ([email protected]) with the title “SALCC MS” in the subject. Application review will begin immediately and run until 15 Dec with a start date of June 2014.
