Two MS positions are available to conduct research related to wild turkey ecology and management 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. This research will provide valuable information to help inform current and future management decisions for turkeys in WV.
Both students will conduct fieldwork to trap and monitor turkeys in four study areas across the state of WV (including but not limited to fitting turkeys with GPS transmitters, monitoring survival, installing and maintaining autonomous recording units, collecting vegetation data etc.). However, each student will focus a separate aspect of turkey ecology/management:
Project 1: This student will conduct research related to turkey nesting/reproductive ecology including nesting chronology, clutch sizes, nest success, and poult survival rates.
Project 2: This student will conduct research related to human dimensions of wild turkey management including surveying WV hunters to assess hunter effort and satisfaction, and investigating the effects of hunting on turkey movements and vocalizations.
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) turkeys or other game birds – Experience using R, GIS, or other statistical programs – Experience with human dimensions research or survey designs (Project 2 only)
To Apply: Please send the following as a single PDF to Dr. Laura Gigliotti (laura.gigliotti@mail.wvu.edu) with a subject line of “Turkey 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. In your cover letter, please indicate if you have a preference for one of the projects, or if you would like to be considered for both. Contact Person Laura Gigliotti Contact eMail laura.gigliotti@mail.wvu.edu
Salary $20,000/year + tuition waiver and health insurance
Start Date 08/01/2023
Last Date to Apply 02/15/2023
Website https://lauragigliotti.weebly.com/