MS Assistantship with Rusty Blackbirds and Habitat Use of Commercial Forests

Stipend: ~$20,200 per year plus tuition (up to 19 credits per academic year) and ½ annual health insurance premium

Description: I seek a graduate student to pursue a MS degree in Forest Resources over a 2.5 to 3-year period with the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine. The student will evaluate Rusty Blackbird habitat selection and nest survival on commercial forestland in Maine. The student will be hired as a Research Assistant with funding provided by the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experimental Station and University of Maine System Research Reinvestment Fund. A maximum of two semesters may be funded with a Teaching Assistantship depending on grant funding. This position will begin September 1, 2018 with an expected graduation date of Spring/Summer 2021. The thesis research will involve use of resource selection functions and survival analysis to describe breeding habitat for Rusty Blackbird and to relate significant habitat characteristics to commercial forest management history and silvicultural prescriptions.

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will possess a BS/BA degree in natural resources, forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, biology, or other relevant field, strong interpersonal skills, and a valid driver’s license. Competitive candidates will also have 1) an interest in understanding how forest management and silvicultural prescriptions affect songbird breeding habitat, 2) experience capturing and banding songbirds including attachment of telemetry tags, 3) songbird nest searching and monitoring experience, 4) tree and habitat measurement skills, 5) ability to navigate by compass and GPS, and 6) spatial analysis skills using GIS and/or remotely sensed datasets. Additionally, I’m seeking someone who has a strong work ethic, outgoing personality, and ability to work independently for extended periods. This project will require the physical ability and mental toughness to work in remote forest areas and willingness to spend considerable time in dense, young conifer stands. Living conditions for field work are likely to be primitive including regular wilderness camping. Supervision of undergraduate students and field technicians is expected. Peer reviewed publications are expected as a product of this research.

To apply: Email your resume, cover letter summarizing your experience and interests, college transcripts, GRE scores, and contact info. for 3 references to Dr. Amber Roth via amber.roth AT maine.edu