MS Graduate Research Assistantship: Evaluating habitat use and demographics of a reintroduced population of Brown-headed Nuthatch in Missouri

A M.S. research assistantship with Dr. Tom Bonnot (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and Dr. Frank Thompson (US Forest Service) will be available beginning August 2023 to oversee the field collection and analysis of monitoring data on the habitat use and demographics of a recently translocated population of Brown-headed Nuthatch (BHNU) in Missouri to evaluate the status of their reintroduction.  The student will coordinate with state and federal staff to collect point count, mark-resight, and habitat vegetation data on a small population of BHNU in a restored pine-woodland landscape. Field work will take place at various times of the year and include quarterly point count surveys, spring nest searches and monitoring and summer habitat sampling. Field housing and work vehicles will be provided. The student will use contemporary statistical approaches to analyze data and report on habitat and demographic rates. 

Candidates must have a B.S. in wildlife science or management, natural resources, ecology, or a closely related discipline  and a GPA > 3.0. A valid US driver license (without restrictions) is also required.

Ideal candidates will have previous field experience with point count surveys and/or bird resighting; experience planning and coordinating daily field activities and conducting independent research; Additional qualifications include excellent writing and communications skills; strong verbal and quantitative abilities; experience with statistical models and program R; and experience with technical writing and/or publication. The successful applicant will be expected to publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present papers at scientific meetings.

Benefits package includes a stipend of $23,000 per year, a tuition waiver, and insurance

Start date: August 2023

To apply, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, contact information for 3 references, and unofficial transcripts to Thomas Bonnot (bonnott@missouri.edu) by March 1, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.