The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State
University is seeking qualified individuals to work on a research project
looking at the effects of fire return interval and timber harvesting on
wildlife habitat and forest ecology. The position will be filled at the M.S.
level.
RESEARCH AREA: The forest-grassland ecotone in the southcentral US is the
tension zone between the eastern deciduous forest and the southern Great
Plains. Active management of these systems using prescribed fire and forest
thinning can improve wildlife habitat for game and nongame species by
altering vegetation structure and composition. Research will take advantage
of a long-term study site with different fire return intervals and forest
thinning to determine the effects of management on deer habitat. The study
site is in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma which is a mix of
shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) and post oak (Quercus stellata) dominated
forest/savanna and tallgrass prairie. This research is part of a larger
USDA funded project to determine how management and climate variability
alter productivity and value for different mixes of timber, wildlife, and
cattle grazing.
STIPEND: A graduate research assistantship of $15,500 for M.S. annually for
a half-time appointment. Benefits include resident and non-resident tuition
waiver and student health insurance at $20 per month (for student only,
family coverage available for an additional fee).
BACKGROUND CHECKS: Oklahoma State University requires background checks for
all newly hired graduate assistants/associates. Background checks shall be
required prior to employment (post-offer, pre-employment).
TENTATIVE STARTING DATE: January 2019
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in plant biology, wildlife biology, forestry,
ecology, or related degree. Plant identification skills or aptitude are
necessary. If applicable, a minimum grade point average of 2.80 (A = 4.00)
and acceptable GRE scores are required.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested individuals should contact:
Dr. Rodney Will
008C Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-5444
rodney.w...@okstate.edu
LOCATION AND FACILITIES:
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State
University. The University is a land grant institution with an enrollment of
about 25,000 students located midway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management conducts
interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address
the sustainable management and conservation of the fishery, forest,
rangeland, and wildlife resources of Oklahoma and beyond. This department is
a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective
outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.
