GRADUATE (MS) ASSISTANTSHIP We are seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (MS student) to join a collaborative research project with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Colorado State University, and University of California-Berkeley to investigate the possible effects of human recreation on wildlife species of concern in Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) program reserves in San Diego County.
Title: Graduate Research Assistant (MS student), Wildlife Response to Human Recreation Department: Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University Field Location: San Diego County, California Project Description: This MS project will investigate the possible effects of human recreation on wildlife species of concern in NCCP reserves in San Diego County. Supported by a collaborative research effort of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Colorado State University, and University of California-Berkeley, the main objectives of this project are to test methods for monitoring recreational disturbances and conduct a pilot field study of the effects of recreation on species in selected sites. Specific tasks will likely include: collecting available data on recreational visitation patterns and wildlife species detections from participating land management and research agencies; performing GIS analyses to characterize the study area, analyze existing data, and design field surveys; and implementing the pilot study using a variety of non-invasive monitoring methods, such as motion-triggered cameras, bioacoustic monitors, and transect surveys. The MS student will be co-advised by Dr. Sarah Reed (! WCS) and Dr. Kevin Crooks (CSU) and will work closely with Dr. Adina Merenlender (UCB). Qualifications: Applicants must have a BS degree in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or a related field. Admission to the department requires a cumulative undergraduate GPA above 3.0 and average scores of 70% or greater on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE test. Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills, and capable of supervising an independent field project in a remote location. Experience with field surveys, including non-invasive monitoring methods, is preferred. GIS skills are highly desirable. Salary: $20,000 per year plus tuition for up to 2 years (pending funding), starting in fall 2012 How to apply: Applicants should create a single document (e.g., word or pdf) that includes a brief letter of interest, CV or resume, unofficial transcripts, unofficial or preliminary GRE scores, and a list of three references and their contact information. The name of the file should contain the first and last name of the applicant. Please send applications via email to: recreatio...@gmail.com. Review of applications will begin immediately; applications will be accepted until March 16, 2012, or until a suitable candidate is identified.
