- Agency
- Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arizona
- Location
- Southeast Arizona (based in Tucson)
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- Approximately $33,169 (stipend and summary salary) per year plus tuition waiver
- Start Date
- 08/14/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 03/15/2023
- Website
- https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/staff/2296188
- Description
- We are recruiting a MS graduate student to conduct collaborative field-based research to evaluate translocation strategies for Gambel's quail. The successful applicant will assist Arizona Game and Fish Department in translocating quail from urban to grassland environments in southeast Arizona and will take the lead in developing and implementing different translocation approaches and monitoring post-release movement, habitat selection, survival, and/or nest success. The student will enroll in the University of Arizona’s School of Environment and Natural Resources beginning in August 2023 and work within the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Field work will occur primarily during January 2024 through September 2025 in collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and will include capturing and transporting quail, constructing pre-release pens to evaluate soft-release techniques, monitoring post-release movement, nesting behavior, and survival using VHF and/or GPS telemetry, and taking vegetation measurements to evaluate nest site selection. The student will be supported through a research assistantship through the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona for two academic years and two summers. We anticipate working with the student to obtain additional support (either through research and/or teaching assistantships) and research funding. The student will participate in applying for the necessary federal, state, and university permits, manage and analyze data, hire and supervise field crews of technicians, undergraduate students, and/or volunteers, write progress and final reports and peer-reviewed publications, apply for additional research funding, and assist in general project logistics. The student will also be responsible for ensuring that project deliverables (i.e., thesis proposal, annual reports, draft manuscripts) are delivered to Arizona Game and Fish Department by the appropriate deadlines.
- Qualifications
- An enthusiasm for learning and problem solving, a strong interest in applied research for the management and conservation of native game birds, an eagerness to develop skills in quantitative ecology and scientific writing, and excitement for field-based research are required. The successful applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife resources, or a related field, a GPA > 3.0, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong people skills. The strongest applicants will have previous experience with radio telemetry, working in the field under adverse conditions (e.g., long hours, extreme heat, thunderstorms, venomous animals, biting insects), supervising field assistants, and operating 4x4 vehicles over rough terrain. Willingness to assemble and transport quail traps and enclosures is also required. Previous experience with capturing and handling upland game birds, data management and analytical software (e.g., Excel, R, ArcGIS) is beneficial but not required. The student and their field crews will primarily commute from Tucson to field sites and camp for multiple days at a time, including weekends, as field work duties require. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information (including emails) of three references to Dr. Javan Bauder at jbauder@arizona.edu.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Javan Bauder, Assistant Unit Leader, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
- Contact eMail
- jbauder@arizona.edu
