Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S.) – Winter Grassland Bird Community Dynamics

Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, New Mexico State University
I am seeking qualified applicants at the MS level to conduct research that is part of a project on wintering grassland birds in southwest New Mexico. This assistantship has 2 main components - (1) to examine resource abundance and diversity on winter grassland bird community dynamics through resource manipulation experiments, and (2) to examine the effects of grazing practices on seed production in dropseed grasslands (an important component of winter sparrow diets) within and outside of grazing exclosures.
Qualifications: All applicants must have a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences, Biology, Zoology or a related field. Applicants must be highly motivated, willing to work long hours in the field, have excellent birding skills and must be excited about learning to identify winter sparrows. The seed aspect of this project requires patience, attention to detail and long hours in the lab. Applicants must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
To apply, please send a letter of interest, up-to-date resume, copy of all transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation as soon as possible but no later than October 15, 2004.
Start Date: January 3, 2005
Salary: $16,990/year
Please direct inquiries related to this position to mdesmond@nmsu.edu (preferred)or(505)646-1217 (afternoons only)
Send Application material to:
Martha Desmond
Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences
PO Box 30003, MSC 4901
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003