MSU Listserv

Subject: Seeking graduate student - wood turtle research


Dear Colleagues,



I am currently recruiting students for a Master’s position working with raccoons and wood turtles in Northwest Michigan. This is part of a newly-funded U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant, with a January 2024 start date. Please see below for full position description. If you know of any interested students, I would appreciate if you could please pass this along.



All the best,

Jen



Jennifer A. Moore, PhD

Associate Professor

Biology Department

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI 49401



[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

(616) 331-8764



https://moorejen4.wixsite.com/moorelab<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/moorejen4.wixsite.com/moorelab__;!!HXCxUKc!2AIPAEeA881w1M_JGlPufU8copx0xL356EDCq_FamIekMvKinFKgN5FD0butSitomIKXOo4t3P4f2mcsoCk$>



Description: The Biology Dept. at Grand Valley State University (https://www.gvsu.edu/acad/biology-ms.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.gvsu.edu/acad/biology-ms.htm__;!!HXCxUKc!2AIPAEeA881w1M_JGlPufU8copx0xL356EDCq_FamIekMvKinFKgN5FD0butSitomIKXOo4t3P4fYILzFNM$>) is recruiting a graduate assistant (M.S.) to start coursework in Jan. 2024. The student will work as part of a team examining factors influencing wood turtle population density. The student will focus on assessing fine-scale movement patterns of co-occurring wood turtles and raccoons in an actively managed landscape in the Manistee National Forest. The aim is to understand the spatial and temporal patterns of movement to assess predation risk and understand impacts of habitat restoration and edge effects on raccoon foraging and turtle predation risk. The project will involve live trapping and monitoring both wood turtles and raccoons fitted with GPS loggers. Occasional travel throughout the study area will be necessary.



The position includes a $15,000 yearly stipend and full tuition waiver from Jan. 2024- Dec. 2025.



Qualifications: Candidates should have a B.S. in Wildlife Biology or a related field.  Strong organizational and communication skills are required as are attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Ability to use GIS to quantify and analyze habitat is required. Common sense and an appropriate balance of the ability to work independently and know when to ask questions is also highly desirable. Experience live trapping and chemically immobilizing mesocarnivores, as well as radio tracking wildlife are highly desirable. The ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor while dealing with the rigors of field work is also appreciated. This is an intense field-based project and will require working long irregular hours in the field while alone on a regular basis. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.



Interested applicants should send letter of interest, CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Jennifer Moore ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>), Biology Dept., Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401. Questions can be directed to Dr. Moore at the above email or at 616-331-8764. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.