M.S. Graduate Assistantship: Use of Coastal Refugia by Overwintering Waterfowl

Position Description: The Waterfowl and Wetland Bird Lab (http://www.bartballardlab.com) at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville invites applications from highly motivated individuals to pursue a M.S. degree within our collaborative lab. Student will use Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) in wetlands to 1) quantify the use of refugia sites by waterfowl and other wetland-reliant species, 2) help establish high-quality, landscape-scale monitoring protocols for the coastal refugia program, and 3) provide practical, scientifically informed recommendations for waterfowl conservation and management on the Texas coast. Research data will be used by the successful applicant for their thesis. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Drs. Jordan Giese and Bart Ballard. Successful applicants will be expected to publish manuscripts in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals and present papers at scientific conferences.

Location: Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas (approx. 45 miles south of Corpus Christi, Texas). Research will be conducted on public lands and on private ranches along the lower Texas coast.

Qualifications Required: B.S. in ecology, wildlife science, biology, or closely related fields. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team. Competitive applicants will ideally have coding and statistical experience in R or similar programs. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Stipend/Salary: $1,800/month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period). Nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply). Partial resident tuition fee assistance may be provided based on availability of funds.

Start Date: August 2023

Application Deadline: 30 April 2023 (or until qualified candidate is identified)

To Apply: Send via email a single pdf file that includes 1) a cover letter, 2) career goals, 3) resume/CV, 4) transcripts (can be unofficial), and 5) names and email addresses of 3 references to:

Dr. Jordan Giese

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

700 University Blvd., MSC 218

Kingsville, TX 78363

Phone: 402-719-7475

Email: jordan.giese@tamuk.edu