MS Assistantships- Water quality and wildlife habitat in Iowa wetlands

https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/

We are seeking applications for 1-2 Master’s of Science graduate assistantships to work together on a collaborative research project between Ducks Unlimited and Iowa State University examining wildlife use of wetlands created or restored for water quality in Iowa. The students will work together on the project examining wetland use among breeding ducks, marshbirds, and other wetland-dependent birds in Iowa wetlands during two summer field seasons in 2022 and 2023. Field work will involve surveying wetlands with point count surveys and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to document breeding birds and sampling wetlands to assess a range of biotic and abiotic characteristics. The student(s) will work collaboratively as part of a team in the field and supervise a field technician to form a 2-person sampling crew. The assistantship at Iowa State University is under supervision of Dr. Adam Janke and will be supported by a combined teaching and research assistantship that provides a $24,000 per year stipend, health insurance, and a 50% tuition waiver. Applicants are sought to commence their studies at Iowa State University in the Fall of 2021, but those seeking a later start date on or before May 2022 may be considered.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have a BS in wildlife ecology or a closely related field. Good organizational skills, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and excellent communication skills. Applicants with experience and skills in identification of wetland birds, sampling wetlands, experience with UAVs, and/or experience working with private landowners will be most competitive. Applicants should have a GPA ≥3.0 and a valid driver’s license (or ability to get one). Applicants from underrepresented or historically excluded groups are encouraged to apply. APPLICATION: Interested applicants should submit a pdf application packet via email to Dr. Adam Janke with the subject line “Wetland and waterbird MS project”. The application packet should include a letter of interest describing career goals and professional interests, a CV including cumulative GPA, unofficial transcripts, a description of any previous experience in wildlife conservation or research, and telephone and email contact information for three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until filled.

Contact Person

Adam Janke

Contact eMail

ajanke@iastate.edu