MSU Listserv

From: Mammalian Biology <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Jennifer Frey <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Monday, May 10, 2021 at 2:38 PM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: M.S. ASSISTANSHIP: Rare Small Mammal Ecology and Conservation - NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
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M.S. ASSISTANSHIP: Rare Small Mammal Ecology and Conservation  - New Mexico State University

The Frey Lab for Mammalian Diversity and Conservation seeks a highly motivated Master’s student to assist with research to evaluate ecological relationships and conservation of the Peñasco Least Chipmunk (Tamias minimus atristriatus). This chipmunk is a candidate for Endangered Species Act listing and the research will directly contribute to its conservation and management.  The chipmunk has a small distribution located in a remote wilderness area in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico (about 2 hrs from NMSU).  The study will focus on the chipmunk’s behavioral plasticity and ability to persist in environments modified by wildfire and climate change.  Because the population is so small, data collection will primarily utilize non-invasive methods such as remote cameras paired with modern statistical modeling approaches. The student must be comfortable living and working in a remote area while in the field.  An off grid RV will serve as a basecamp, but access to the study areas will require hiking and is likely to require overnight camping on site.  The student will supervise one or more undergraduate field assistants and volunteers. The student is expected to present their research at professional conferences, publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, and assist with preparation of agency reports and grant proposals.  The study will form the basis of the student’s Masters thesis in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University.  Annual salary is $24,217 plus in-state tuition waiver. The starting date is 16 August 2021 and is anticipated for 2.5 years, pending funding.  There is possibility to start in January 2022 instead of August 2021.

Qualifications:

  *   Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, biology, or conservation ecology
  *   > 3.4 GPA
  *   Must be able to backpack (up to 6 mi per day) over rugged terrain at high elevations (>10,000 ft) and in inclement weather.  Must be able to camp in a backcountry situation.
  *   Ability to supervise undergraduate field assistants
  *   Highly competitive GRE scores (e.g., > 70th percentile on verbal and quantitative portion)


Preferred Qualifications:

  *   Small mammal trapping experience
  *   Backcountry experience (wilderness backpacking, first aid, etc)
  *   Use of remote cameras in wildlife research
  *   Quantitative aptitude and statistical knowledge
  *   Experience using ArcGIS
  *   Experience using R
  *   Excellent writing ability
  *   Experience conducting research



For consideration, please email Dr. Frey a single PDF that includes: initial letter of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores. The letter of interest must explain your experience relevant to the minimum and preferred qualifications and how the position would fit with your academic and professional goals. Letters that do not address these points will not be considered. Please include “Graduate Assistantship Application” in the subject line.  Materials will be reviewed as received and the position filled upon finding a suitable applicant.  Information about the department can be found at http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/fws/<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http*3A*2F*2Faces.nmsu.edu*2Facademics*2Ffws*2F&data=04*7C01*7CMAMMAL-L*40SI-LISTSERV.SI.EDU*7C87406bda331442a8a65208d913e2cd3c*7C989b5e2a14e44efe93b78cdd5fc5d11c*7C0*7C0*7C637562687091782083*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C1000&sdata=wvgvd3Ei*2FjqDUS1MBPWopTh2DGdDdx5Rt365dfJUiw4*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!HXCxUKc!l1FZV1H74FhJBAf1yclzzHFV_Xx15OPaYzxv0yBhmeNoH6FKXzAbkmHNryZA6jpphQ$>.

Dr. Jennifer K. Frey, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology, PO Box 3003, Campus Box 4901, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88003-0003; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jennifer_Frey3; [log in to unmask]




Jennifer K. Frey, PhD
Professor and Curator of the Wildlife Museum
Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces NM  88003