South Dakota State University M.S. Assistantship: Selection and validation of regional reference sites and development of indices of biotic integrity for the Northwestern Great Plains Ecoregion
Position Description: A graduate assistantship is available to select and validate the condition of regional reference sites and develop biological monitoring tools for wadeable perennial streams of the Northwestern Great Plains ecoregion in South Dakota. This project will utilize GIS-based watershed assessment tools and collect water quality, physical habitat and biological community data perennial stream sites to select and validate reference site condition. Information on University, Department, Research Group, and Region: South Dakota State University is the Land Grant University in South Dakota, and SDSU has a rich tradition in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. This project will be supported with a Graduate Research Assistantship in the in the Department of Natural Resource Management (http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/), and the student will be co-advised by Drs. Katie Bertrand and Nels Troelstrup, Jr. South Dakota offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, and SDSU is a valued part of the vibrant community of Brookings (http://www.cityofbrookings.org/). Stipend/Tuition: Current annual M.S. stipend levels are $17,899 per 12 months, plus graduate assistants pay only 1/3 in-state graduate tuition and fees. Financial support is available for up to 3.5 years, pending satisfactory progress. The position is available immediately. Qualifications: A B.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, or other related disciplines is required. The ideal candidate will have experience in collecting field measurements and identifying fish to species. Superior writing and verbal communication skills, as well as skills in data analysis and geographic information science, are beneficial. Application: The application deadline is May 24, 2013. South Dakota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]%3cmailto:[email protected]>>) a cover letter stating why the prospective student is the best candidate for the position, a resume/CV, official or unofficial copies of transcripts, unofficial copies of GRE scores, and the names, titles, addresses (snail mail and e-mail), and phone numbers of three references.
