- Agency
- West Virginia University/WV Coop Unit
- Location
- Morgantown, WV with fieldwork throughout WV
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- $20,000/year + tuition waiver and health insurance
- Start Date
- 06/01/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 02/15/2023
- Website
- https://lauragigliotti.weebly.com/
- Description
- One MS position is available to conduct research related to river otter survival and spatial ecology in West Virginia, in cooperation with the WV Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at West Virginia University, and the WV Division of Natural Resources. River otters are native to WV, but experienced large population declines prior to reintroduction efforts in the 1980's. Otter populations in the state are now considered to be stable or increasing, but accurate survival and harvest rates are needed to inform future management decisions. Additionally, more information is needed on otter habitat use and movements within the state, particularly as it relates to trapping seasons and fish stocking. This position will include fieldwork to capture and monitor otters, and data analyses related to otter survival, habitat selection, and home range sizes. The selected applicant will ideally begin as a technician on the project during June 2023 and start as a graduate student in August 2023.
- Qualifications
- Required qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or related field - A valid driver’s license - Ability to work both independently and part of a team - Strong written and oral communication skills Preferred qualifications: - Experience conducting independent research - Experience with trapping and monitoring (e.g. VHF telemetry) mammals - Experience using R, GIS, or other statistical programs To Apply: Please send the following as a single PDF to Dr. Laura Gigliotti (laura.gigliotti@mail.wvu.edu) with a subject line of “Otter MS” by February 15: 1) a cover letter, 2) a CV or resume, 3) copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is fine), 4) names and contact information for 3 references.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Laura Gigliotti
- Contact eMail
- laura.gigliotti@mail.wvu.edu
