M.S. Assistantship: Green heron as an Indicator of Wetland-Dependent Species

Project overview
In Minnesota, recent gains in wetland abundance may support wetland-dependent bird species like green herons (Butorides virescens), but significant gaps in understanding of their breeding, wintering, and migratory habits inhibit conservation efforts. Further, despite their widespread distribution and use of diverse wetlands, green herons are in steep decline across much of their range. The overall objective of this project is to evaluate the following competing hypotheses around green heron population dynamics: 1) declines are due to changes in habitat quality in wetlands (and, perhaps, lack of use of newly created wetlands), and 2) declines are due to factors outside of Minnesota (e.g., habitat on the wintering grounds, stopover sites).  

Green heron and other wetland-dependent species are often difficult to study due to their cryptic habits and use of brushy, forested wetlands, which can impede detection. Work for this study will include fitting green herons with GPS satellite transmitters that allow us to track their movements throughout the year, with a limited number already fitted in 2024 that have documented movements from Minnesota to as far south as Guatemala. We will also employ acoustic recording units (ARUs) at sampling locations to understand how these areas support other wetland-dependent species which are also in decline. The results of this study will provide critical insights for conservation planning to ensure long-term sustainability of wetland habitat for Minnesota's wetland-dependent species.

M.S. Assistantship: As part of this project, a fully funded master's assistantship is available in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota, co-advised by Dr. Elena West and Dr. John Fieberg. This position is funded through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and will address the research questions listed in the project overview. The MS student will: (1) assist with project coordination (planning, logistics, organization) and field work for capture and tagging of green herons and deployment of ARUs throughout Minnesota during the summer of 2025 and 2026, (2) assist project cooperators in other jurisdictions with capture and marking of green herons, (3) lead spatial and acoustic data management, organization, and analyses required to achieve project objectives, (4) assist in the synthesis and communication of project results and findings and (5) lead analysis and writing of at least one scientific publication as part of this project.

In addition to working with Dr. West and Dr. Fieberg, the MS student will collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team that includes: Dr. David Andersen, (Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit), and Dr. Mike Wells (Migratory Birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and project stakeholders and partners with a variety of state and federal agencies and organizations. Ideally, the graduate student will begin assisting with green heron capture and tagging in June or July 2025 and begin courses at the University of Minnesota in September 2025. Full funding is available via a combination of research (at least 2 years) and teaching assistantships (at least one semester) and will cover tuition, health insurance, and annual stipend of $26,988[1].

Required qualifications: Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Ecology/Management, Ecology, or a related field; a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation; strong organizational skills; an ability to work both independently and collegially with others; strong written and oral communication skills; strong quantitative skills; an interest in conservation biology, and wetland and wildlife ecology and management more generally.

Desired experience: Previous field work involving capture and marking of birds, previous experience working with R, demonstrated GIS/spatial data analysis skills, and strong academic record competitive for fellowships.

Start date: June or July 2025

To Apply: Please send applications to Dr. Elena West (elwest@umn.edu). Applications should consist of a single PDF with the title starting with the applicant’s last name and include: (1) a cover letter outlining how you meet required and preferred qualifications and how this position fits with your long-term career goals, (2) a resume or CV, (3) unofficial academic transcripts, and (4) contact information for three references. Please note that cover letters will be used to assess applicant writing ability. We welcome applications on an ongoing basis; however, please be advised that we will begin our review process on January 6, 2025.

We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity of background and thought is celebrated, and we encourage all interested people to apply despite preconceived notions of their own experience as it relates to this project’s objectives.

The University of Minnesota is one of the nation’s leading public research universities and is located in the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Known for its cultural diversity, strong arts scene, outdoor recreation and extensive park system, and high quality of life, the Twin Cities consistently rank among the best places to live and work in the United States.

[1]Stipends may increase following ongoing negotiations between the University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Graduate Labor Union.