Ph.D. or M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Black Duck Wintering Ecology in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University
STARTING DATE: July 2015 CLOSING DATE: Position is open until filled. DESCRIPTION: Student will be supported by a 3-year Research Assistantship with funding provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Black Duck Joint Venture (BDJV), West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The objectives of the study are to: 1) Determine non-breeding black duck use of rivers and created and natural wetlands in West Virginia and Pennsylvania; 2) Construct time-activity budgets of black ducks within each habitat type to calculate basic energy expenditure models; 3) Determine potential carrying capacity, based on seeds and invertebrates, of wetlands; 4) Relate black duck densities and behavioral activities to landscape and habitat characteristics; and 5) Develop regional bioenergetics models of the amount and type of habitat needed to meet BDJV goals. The students will be working toward a Ph.D. in Forest Resources Science (Wildlife emphasis) or M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University (http://www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/). QUALIFICATIONS: PhD applications are preferred. M.S. in Wildlife, Ecology, Environmental Science, or closely related field for Ph.D. degree or similar B.S. degree for M.S. position. Minimum GPA of 3.4 and combined quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 305 (~1,200 old scoring system). A strong interest in waterfowl management is required. Previous experience with wetland and waterfowl is highly desired. STIPEND: $19,848/year (Ph.D.), $16,536 (MS) plus health insurance and tuition waiver. CONTACT: Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, a 500-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on waterfowl, your research and career goals, etc.), copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document to Dr. Jim Anderson at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. James T. Anderson, Ph.D. Davis-Michael Professor Forestry and Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Director, Environmental Research Center West Virginia University (304) 293-3825 Office (304) 276-8956 Cell http://wildlife.wvu.edu/ http://erc.davis.wvu.edu/
