We are seeking a motivated M.S. student at Virginia Tech to work on a collaborative research project aimed at understanding how wetland turtle species interact with grazing livestock and utilize pasture habitat across a range of grazing regimes. Broad scale themes of this work will be related to movement ecology, habitat selection, and agricultural practices. The student will be conducting research involving capture and radio telemetry of turtles. This work will be part of an ongoing research project at Virginia Tech involving a hydrology component led by the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation and a wildlife habitat component within the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. Work will occur on both private and public lands, but will require interacting with private landowners and land managers. Results from this project will inform management recommendations regarding grazing prescriptions. The ideal candidate will have a desire to learn and develop
analytical and writing skills.
If interested, please email Joel Snodgrass (joels@vt.edu) with subject line GRAZING AND TURTLES and attach the following: resume, unofficial transcripts, contact information for three references, and a brief cover letter. Consideration of applications will begin immediately.
Responsibilities/Duties
Turtle trapping and processing; radio telemetry; data analysis and manuscript writing; habitat and vegetation surveys; field team supervision; database management
Required Qualifications
A bachelors degree in Wildlife Conservation, Range Management, Ecology, or similar field; ability to work outdoors in strenuous conditions and odd hours; valid U.S. drivers license; experience with research methods in a field setting; effective communication skills with diverse populations and collaborators; strong work ethic and ability to work independently and contribute to a team setting.
Preferred Skills
Preferred skills and past experiences are not required for consideration. Prior experience with publication or presentation of research; prior experience working on farms around grazing livestock; field crew management; radio telemetry experience; experience with 4WD vehicles; previous field/lab experience with amphibians or reptiles, including capture and marking techniques (Shell notching, VIE, PIT, etc.); familiarity with computer programs, including R, Microsoft Access, and GIS software; experience using camera traps.
Start Date: Preferably enroll by January 2024; later start may be possible
Location: Blacksburg, VA with travel to field sites required
Graduate stipend ($29,650 annual with annual pay increases) and tuition waiver included.
