Mitch Weegman

Description: A PhD studentship or postdoctoral fellowship is available with Dr. Mitch Weegman in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan (https://www.ducks.ca/our-work/science/saskatchewan-endowed-chair/), co-supervised by Dr. Matt Dyson (Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, Ducks Unlimited Canada), in collaboration with Dr. Jim Devries (Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, Ducks Unlimited Canada). We are hoping to compare measures of waterfowl reproductive success at the local and population scales to determine representativeness of data sets relative to other parameters commonly estimated to manage North American waterfowl populations. We anticipate the PhD student/postdoctoral fellow will expand Devries et al. (2023, Wildlife Monographs) to update estimates of nest success for all dabbling ducks across the Canadian prairies, leveraging nesting data collected over two decades by Ducks Unlimited Canada (>25,000 nests) for a local measure of reproductive success. The PhD student/postdoc will use breeding population survey, banding and harvest data collected over the same time period for population-level measures of reproductive success. We anticipate the PhD student/postdoc will compare these measures to learn the extent to which they generally track each other, and test hypotheses about similarities and differences in estimates in space and time. Using this information, we will conduct scenario-playing to determine potential sources of bias in hopes of contextualizing and linking scales for more robust inferences. We will use this information to inform current habitat delivery decision support tools to identify opportunities for conservation that deliver the greatest benefit to duck populations. There will be opportunities to explore related research questions and collaborate on several projects in movement and population ecology in the Weegman lab. Prerequisites: Ideal candidates will have a master’s degree in ecology, statistics or a closely related field, and interpersonal skills to lead discussions among collaborators. Preference will be given to those with a strong quantitative background (e.g., experience with Program R, Bayesian methods), knowledge of migratory bird ecology and management, and spatial programming skills (e.g., in Program R or ArcGIS). The successful applicant will be expected to publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present papers at scientific meetings. Salary and benefits: For the PhD student: $35,000 Canadian per year (tax-free) plus compensation for tuition and fees; for the postdoc: $65,000 Canadian per year plus benefits Start date: 1 Sept 2024 or 1 Jan 2025 Last date to apply: 22 Mar 2024 To be considered for this position, please send the following (preferably as a single PDF) to Drs. Mitch Weegman (mitch.weegman@usask.ca) and Matt Dyson (m_dyson@ducks.ca): (1) Letter of interest summarizing your experience, (2) Curriculum vitae or resume, (3) University transcripts (unofficial are OK), (4) Contact information for three references.

We are seeking a research associate to lead preparations for field research based at Karrak Lake Research Station in the Ahiak Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Nunavut, Canada. We anticipate the research associate will plan all aspects of the field season for multiple research programs, including studies on lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese, as well as shorebirds, king eiders, Arctic foxes, and Arctic ecosystems. The research associate will be based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan during the planning period (January to May 2024) and will join the field crew at Karrak Lake, May to July 2024. We also anticipate the research associate will have opportunities to be involved in and/or lead post-season analyses and report writing, depending on interests and qualifications. Qualifications: 1. Recent experience in field work in wildlife biology or ecology, ideally with an emphasis on Arctic or northern systems and migratory birds. 2. Current First Aid certification and familiarity with firearms, outboard motors, and navigation. 3. Ability to manage and schedule multifaceted projects including working under pressure, meeting deadlines, and working with a variety of different people. 4. Demonstrated ability to organize logistics and plan and coordinate work crews and teams. 5. Ability to acquire materials used for field work. 6. Ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively, both orally and in writing. 7. Comfortable in a variety of conditions (cold/snowy, hot/buggy) and with moderate physical exercise (walking 10 – 15 km per day). Details: Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Ahiak Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Nunavut, Canada Rate of pay: Dependent on qualifications; $76,000 to $85,000 annually Employment term: Two years Closing date: 5 January 2024 Start date: January-February 2024 To be considered for this position, please send the following (preferably as a single PDF) to Drs. Mitch Weegman (mitch.weegman@usask.ca) and Kirsty Gurney (kirsty.gurney@ec.gc.ca) (1) Letter of interest summarizing your experience, (2) Curriculum vitae or resume, (3) Contact information for three references.