- Agency
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
- Location
- Kingsville, Texas
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- $1,800 per month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period) and nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply but will be reimbursed to ensure a full tuition waiver)
- Start Date
- 01/01/2024
- Last Date to Apply
- 10/20/2023
- Website
- https://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/current-openings/pronghorn-movement-and-fawn-survival
- Description
- We are recruiting an ambitious M.S. student to evaluate pronghorn adult movement and how predator abundance or environmental factors influence fawn survival in western Oklahoma. This project is part of a collaboration between the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University. The pronghorn population in western Oklahoma is restricted currently to areas that are typically characterized by extreme weather events, high variability in resource availability, unknown predator densities, and an increasing influence of anthropogenic activities associated with agricultural operations and energy infrastructure. To better understand the distribution, abundance, and population ecology of pronghorn and to inform harvest management in western Oklahoma, the selected candidate will use GPS and VHF collars to assess population dynamics by estimating vital rates, determining cause-specific mortality (including the role of parasites, predators, and nutritional condition), and assess movement related to landscape or biological factors. The student will be expected to develop additional questions depending on their interests and work closely with concurrent graduate students at Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Oklahoma State University. Funding is available for 2.5 years (January 2024–May 2026), while working toward a M.S. degree in Range and Wildlife Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville as part of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. The selected candidate will also be expected to work closely with biologists from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, private landowners, and researchers from collaborating universities. Additional duties include publication of research results and presentations at professional conferences. The student will be advised by Dr. Levi Heffelfinger.
- Qualifications
- Qualifications: • B.S. in wildlife management, natural resources, ecology, or a closely related discipline • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater • Previous field and animal handling experience • Experience planning and coordinating daily field activities • Experience conducting independent research • Highly motivated with a strong work ethic Preferred: • Experience using R, GIS, and/or other statistical programs. • Demonstration and experience with technical writing and/or publication • Strong interest in the ecology and management of game species • Experience capturing and handling ungulates • Experience with radio telemetry • Experience working closely with private landowners • Ability to walk/run over rugged terrain, sometimes in extreme conditions (heat, cold) • A valid US driver license (without restrictions) Applications must be a single PDF file with your last name in the file name. The application can be sent via email to levi.heffelfinger@tamuk.edu with a subject line “Pronghorn M.S.” Application must include; (1) a 1–2-page cover letter that details why you are interested in this position, your most relevant experiences, and your professional goals/aspirations; (2) a Curriculum Vitae; (3) contact information for 3 professional references (i.e., name, affiliation, email, and phone number); (4) transcripts (can be unofficial).
- Contact Person
- Levi Heffelfinger, Ph.D.
- Contact eMail
- levi.heffelfinger@tamuk.edu
