MSU Listserv

From: Mammalian Biology <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Jennifer Frey <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 1:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Graduate Assistantship - Small Mammal Ecology and Conservation in New Mexico
External Email - Exercise Caution
M.S. ASSISTANSHIP: 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 Oscura Mountains Colorado Chipmunk (Neotamias quadrivittatus oscuraensis). This chipmunk is listed as threatened by the state of New Mexico and is on the U.S. Army List of Priority Species at Risk. This research will directly contribute to its conservation and management. The chipmunk occurs on an isolated mountain range located within White Sands Missile Range, in central New Mexico (about 2 hrs from NMSU). The research will focus on chipmunk life history and activity linked to microclimate, food, and other factors provided by pinyon woodland stands that vary in age and structure. There is opportunity for the graduate student to influence the objectives and methods of the study. The student must be comfortable living and working in a remote area while in the field. 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.

Qualifications:

  * Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, biology, or conservation ecology
  * > 3.5 GPA
  * Must be comfortable living and working in a remote area in communal housing
  * Must be able to work and carry gear over rugged terrain at high elevations and in hot and inclement weather. Must be able to camp in the field and should it be necessary to accomplish research objectives.
  * Ability to supervise undergraduate field assistants
  * Highly competitive GRE scores (e.g., > 70th percentile on verbal and quantitative portion)
  * Must have a driver’s license and be able to obtain security clearance
  * Must be self-motivated and able to quickly learn GIS and relevant statistical methods


Preferred Qualifications:

  * Small mammal trapping and handling experience
  * 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 Chipmunk” 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*7Cab2c0a71a4fe4642399408d921356c50*7C989b5e2a14e44efe93b78cdd5fc5d11c*7C0*7C0*7C637577335596868911*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C1000&sdata=a5tOgQpLF0ZkyqFC7pCqhEb7HfSDFsevmoTzT6*2FaxeE*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSU!!HXCxUKc!gR-JQ48zi-nAts8G2IOZcwrrJHq-OweLu38ED4H_QJRr38yIHPlPD9j-ssLc1R8vDQ$>.

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