- Agency
- Pennsylvania State University
- Location
- University Park, PA
- Job Category
- Graduate Assistantships
- Salary
- ~31,000
- Start Date
- 08/15/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 12/15/2022
- Description
- The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management is seeking a student to join a state-wide study on turkey population dynamics, movement and space-use, and decision making. Wild turkey populations in Pennsylvania reached their peaks in the early 2000’s facilitated by a combination of factors including successful wild trap and transfer, lower predator populations, conservative hunting seasons, few exotic wild turkey diseases and a more diverse landscape than exists today. Since then, turkey populations have declined in many Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) across Pennsylvania. Understanding the reasons why populations have declined in some areas of Pennsylvania while not in others requires examining these systems and their interactions, in combination with hen turkey population dynamics, to provide the information necessary to successfully manage turkey populations moving forward. The MSc student will develop a project focused on turkey movement, nesting behavior, and nest success. This is part of a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the USGS Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. The student will start in fall 2023. The student will be advised by Dr. Frances Buderman, Dept. of Ecosystem Science and Management. The project includes full tuition support, stipend, and benefits for 2.5 years.
- Qualifications
- Well-qualified applicants should have experience with the R programming language. In addition, some experience with demographic modeling or habitat selection is preferred. To apply: Send a SINGLE PDF that contains a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to fbuderman@psu.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, but are due by December 10th. We hope to make a final decision by mid-December.
- Contact Person
- Frances Buderman
- Contact eMail
- fbuderman@psu.edu
