MSc position studying the movement ecology of Clark’s nutcracker

The Centre for Wildlife Ecology (CWE) at Simon Fraser University (SFU), BC Ministry of Forests, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS) are seeking a MSc student to work in a supportive, equitable, and inclusive team on a collaborative project examining the movement ecology of Clark’s nutcracker. The position will begin in September.

Project Description:
Whitebark pine is found in mountainous regions of British Columbia, Alberta, and western United States. In Canada, whitebark pine was designated endangered on the Species at Risk Act in 2012 due to the combined effects of white pine blister rust fungus, mountain pine beetle, and forest fires. Whitebark pine is nearly wholly dependent on Clark’s nutcracker for their seed dispersal, yet major gaps exist in our understanding of the bird’s use of the forest landscape. This project will assess how landscape properties influence the movement of Clark’s nutcracker and their interaction with whitebark pine using a combination of acoustic monitoring and tracking of individual birds and contribute valuable information to the work of an active, multidisciplinary recovery team focused on whitebark pine conservation. The project will be co-supervised by David Green (CWE, SFU), Travis Heckford, Fran Iredale (both BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship) and Kim Dohms (ECCC-CWS). 

Funding:
Students will be funded at $30,000/year by a combinations of graduate research awards, teaching assistantships (maximum 1/year), and funding provided by BC Ministry of Forests, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and ECCC-CWS.

Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field with a CGPA that meets the qualifications required for entrance to the Graduate Program in Biological Science at SFU (http://www.sfu.ca/biology/graduate/prospective/degree-programs.html). 

The ideal candidate will have a passion for conservation and a strong foundation in ecology and statistics with some experience of R. Candidates must be able to work collaboratively with field technicians, government scientists, graduate students and university faculty. Writing skills and prior research experience, especially in remote conditions, are an asset.

About the CWE and the Green Lab:
The CWE was established in 1993 to foster the training of high-quality graduate students and conduct research in collaboration with ECCC-CWS that tackles emerging issues in wildlife ecology and conservation. The CWE and the Green Lab (https://davidgreensfu.com) is a strong proponent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and encourages applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, and other under-represented groups. 

To Apply:
Please send a short cover letter (explaining your interest in the position and highlighting your skills and experience), CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 2 references to David Green (djgreen@sfu.ca). Applications will be considered from April 30 until the position is filled.