- Agency
- University of Illinois / Illinois Natural History Survey
- Location
- Central Illinois
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- ~$25,000 / year + tuition waver
- Start Date
- 05/01/2021
- Last Date to Apply
- 12/15/2020
- Description
- We are seeking an MS student to study the ecology of Whip-poor-wills, a species that has experienced widespread population declines. The research will continue research on the behavior and demography of Whip-poor-wills in Illinois, relying on a combination of nocturnal surveys, radio telemetry, and nest monitoring. The research also includes the sampling of insects and the investigation of how changes in insect populations may affect Whip-poor-will populations. The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with other researchers, natural resource managers, and private landowners, and to lead the overall research project including producing publications. The student will be co-advised by Drs. Michael Ward and T.J. Benson. This is a continuing project with a large amount of data and infrastructure in place. We prefer the person to start fieldwork in late May and then begin graduate school in the fall of 2021. The student would be in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
- Qualifications
- BS degree in wildlife management, ecology, or a related discipline. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in working with non-game birds and should possess relevant research experience. Training or experience with nest searching, radio telemetry, and insect sampling are preferred. The applicant should also possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Provide a cover letter, CV, and list of references. The review of the applicants will begin in the first week of December.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Mike Ward
- Contact eMail
- mpward@illinois.edu
