Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

PhD Assistantship – Channel Catfish stocking (OK)

Employer
Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

Job Description:  Research on the fate of stocked Channel Catfish in river systems is sparse, but current studies suggest that stocked fish emigrate far downstream, up to 100 km, soon after stocking. At the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area, a 10-km stretch of river is managed partially by stocking catchable-size Channel Catfish, but their contribution to the resident population and angler creels are unknown. This study will utilize a variety of methods to identify stocked from wild fish and determine their effects on the food web and fate after stocking. This study will also survey anglers to determine catch, harvest, effort, and opinions regarding the utilization of Channel Catfish in the Blue River fishery. This project will work closely with biologists from Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to investigate Channel Catfish stocking practices. Start date is flexible, but as soon as July 1, 2025.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.

To apply: Send resume/CV, a letter stating interest and qualifications, unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and three references to Jim Long, Unit Leader, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (see contact info below).  Applications are screened as they are received but should arrive by April 30, 2025 to receive full consideration. Questions and inquiries prior to applying are welcome.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. 

Website:  https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Oklahoma


Contact:  Dr. Jim Long

Address: US Geological Survey, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 007 AGH, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078

Email: longjm@okstate.edu (preferred); jmlong@usgs.gov

Phone: (405) 744-6342

Qualifications:  MS degree in fisheries, ecology, or related field, GPA > 3.0, and competitive GRE scores.  Work will include surveys of fishes and their habitats. The incumbent will work closely with state biologists and will supervise technicians to collect fisheries data. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, able to identify a broad array of fishes, work independently and in a group setting. Experience using geographic information systems (GIS), telemetry techniques, and familiarity with statistical models is highly desirable.

Job Field:
Fisheries
Job Type:
Assistantship
Location Detail:
Stillwater, OK
Salary:
$30,000/year, including resident and non-resident tuition waiver.
Application Deadline:

Support Warnell

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience. Learn more about giving.