Deadline: Thu, 02/01/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Western Colorado University Job Field: Fisheries Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Other Job Type: Assistantship Location: Colorado Location Detail: Gunnison, Colorado Job Description: Western Colorado University seeks outstanding and diverse candidates to apply for the National Research Traineeship in Ecological Management and Public Lands Opportunities for Young Scientists (EMPLOYS) program. Students accepted into EMPLOYS will engage in research theses and community projects, rigorous coursework, and training to prepare them for science and management careers in an era of unprecedented social and ecological change, each earning two graduate degrees in three years: a Master of Science in Ecology and Master in Environmental Management with an emphasis in Integrative and Public Land Management. EMPLOYS students will learn cutting-edge research and professional skills, perform data management and analysis using advanced technology, and implement management actions to respond to complex environmental challenges. A limited number of competitive assistantships are available to US citizens or permanent residents, funded by the National Science Foundation (National Research Traineeship Award Number 2125921). Assistantships are generally awarded for a one-year term and include a tuition waiver and stipend. Applicants may also submit a letter of interest for an Inclusivity and Innovation Fellowship offered by the M.S. in Ecology program, providing full funding. Please contact msecology@western.edu for more information about these opportunities. Qualifications: B.S. in related degree Miscellaneous: Utilizing the unique landscape of Gunnison’s 1.7 million acres (about twice the area of Yosemite National Park!)of public lands as a platform for learning, students will engage with community stakeholders and agencies including but not limited to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. The small course sizes and collaborative atmosphere of Western’s Clark School of Environment and Sustainability foster strong relationships between students and faculty mentors, connections to the local community, and opportunities for students to find and fulfill their individual academic and career goals. Example research focus areas include using field data and cutting-edge remote-sensing methods to answer questions in fire and forest ecology, examining wildlife habitat selection, and modeling population of imperiled species under varying disturbance and management scenarios. Projects will provide opportunities for students to utilize big data, machine learning, and other technological advancements to study ecological questions -- while simultaneously applying research findings to allow natural resource managers to take action. The EMPLOYS webpage highlights current student and faculty interests, however we invite prospective students to propose and pursue their personal interests within the fields of ecology and environmental management. How to Apply: Applications are accepted on a rolling deadline, however earlier applicants (mid-January) will be given preference in decision-making. Please visit https://western.edu/program/master-science-ecology/ for more information about how to apply, and/or contact msecology@western.ed
