Description

The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University (Dan Collins) in conjunction with Texas Tech University (Warren Conway) are seeking a motivated PhD student to conduct a doctoral project focused on movement ecology of cinnamon teal captured in southern Nevada on Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. This unique capture location lies in the heart of the interior Pacific Flyway and is a major bottleneck for birds moving through their annual cycle. This project will provide the opportunity to inform management decisions at multiple scales (i.e., local, regional, and national) by using (~ n = 100) GSM-GPS units that will address the objectives below. 

Objectives

1.      Investigate Migration Strategies using the generated GPS data to estimate time spent on Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge allowing managers to time management decisions and estimate duck-use days needed to support Cinnamon teal and other key migratory gamebird species as they migrate through the area. Additionally, linkages between  Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge and associated breeding and wintering areas will inform conservation measures broadly. 

2.      Perform Network Connectivity through a Random Forest modeling effort to investigate how important Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is to migratory game bird species such as Cinnamon teal as they are moving through managed wetland systems over the course of their annual cycle. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

        M.S. in Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field

        Experience or coursework in GIS/remote sensing and quantitative analysis preferred

        Demonstrated interest in movement ecology, wetland ecology, wetland dependent wildlife conservation, or resource selection

        Strong written and verbal communication skills

        Ability to work independently and collaboratively with agency partner

Additional Information

Sul Ross State University is in the initial stages of establishing a PhD program on campus. As they work towards that accreditation an agreement has been established with Texas Tech University for the student to spend time on campus at both Universities for course work. Dr. Collins and Conway will be Co-PIs. The student will also work closely with biologists from Pahranagat NWR (Rob Vinson) and Pacific Flyway state agency biologist (e.g., Nevada Division of Wildlife, Utah Division of Wildlife, Arizona Game and Fish Department). The opportunity to be exposed to multiple agencies, Flyways, and a unique academic setting offers the student the ability to gain access to more resources and individuals than many of their peers.   

Information about the Borderlands Research Institute can be found at: https://bri.sulross.edu/

To Apply:
Submit the following to: https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/9635

Required Documents

1.      Resume

2.      Letter of Intent

3.      Transcripts

4.      Letter of Recommendation (1)

5.      Letter of Recommendation (2)

6.      Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores *potential wavier

For questions, contact Dr. Dan Collins at dan.collins@sulross.edu