Natural Resources Job Board

 *Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USDA Forest Service Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) within the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSWRS) located in Sacramento, California.

At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.

Research Project: Through the mentorship by Forest Service technical staff and project leads, summer research fellows will participate in an immersive field and laboratory experience investigating watershed and subsurface responses to environmental disturbances. Fellows will practice a variety of data collection, monitoring, and analysis techniques by collaborating on one or more of the following interconnected research tracks:

Learning Objectives: This summer program provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Forest Service monitoring protocols and research methodologies regarding the dynamics of root-zone moisture and gases. Through these projects, fellows will gain an understanding of how the agency approaches quantifying subsurface processes and evaluating post-fire landscape dynamics and hazards. Fellows will also receive dedicated mentorship in data analysis, scientific communication, and field safety.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is David Dralle (david.dralle@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 2026.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 3 months but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $4,373 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation. Foreign national candidates may have a mandatory in-person requirement depending on visa status.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.USFS.PSWRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral in the one of the relevant fields.

$4,373.00 Monthly

 

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pollinating Insects Research Unit (PIRU), located in Logan, Utah.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

This project will be hosted by the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit (PIRU) in Logan, Utah. PIRU conducts research on the biology, systematics, health, and management of pollinating bees, with a focus on improving pollination services and supporting agricultural systems. The unit includes five federal research scientists, along with technical staff, postdoctoral researchers, and students, and maintains active collaborations across USDA programs and academic institutions.

PIRU is co-located on the Utah State University campus, providing access to a broad network of faculty collaborators and shared research infrastructure. On-site facilities include molecular laboratory space for DNA-based research, greenhouse facilities for plant–pollinator studies, and extensive insect collections, including the U.S. National Pollinating Insects Collection, which supports specimen-based research and long-term curation.

Bioinformatics and computational analyses will be supported by USDA’s SCINet high-performance computing infrastructure, which provides large-scale computing, data storage, and training resources for genomic analyses. Together, PIRU’s laboratory, greenhouse, and collection facilities, combined with SCINet’s computational capabilities, provide an integrated environment for interdisciplinary research in pollinator biology and genomics.

Research Project: The Beenome100 initiative is a USDA-led effort to generate, curate, and analyze genomic resources for bees, with the goal of advancing research on pollinator biodiversity, evolution, and conservation. This project will support ongoing efforts to collect, sequence, and analyze genomic data from diverse bee lineages while providing hands-on training to participants in key areas of entomological and genomic research.

Overall, this project will both expand genomic resources for bees and provide interdisciplinary training at the interface of field biology, museum science, and genomics, helping to prepare the next generation of scientists in pollinator research.

Learning Objectives: During the appointment, you will receive training in field and museum-based specimen acquisition, including bee collection, identification, and preparation of voucher specimens for long-term curation in the U.S. National Pollinating Insects Collection. You will also gain experience in molecular laboratory workflows, including DNA extraction, library preparation, and coordination of sequencing efforts. On the computational side, you will be trained in bioinformatics and data analysis, including genome assembly, annotation, and phylogenomic inference using high-performance computing resources.

In addition to technical skills, you will develop experience in data management, reproducible research practices, and scientific communication. You will also develop public dissemination tools by contributing to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and publicly available genomic datasets, supporting USDA priorities in pollinator health, agricultural sustainability, and biodiversity science.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Michael Branstetter (michael.branstetter@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 18, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $2,000 - $6,000 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing.

$2,000.00 – $6,000.00 Monthly

 

 *Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Beltsville, Maryland.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory (ACSL) at USDA-ARS Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, MD conducts a combination of modeling and experimental research focusing on crop and soil response to abiotic factors and agroecosystems management.

Research Project: During the appointment, you will assist in developing customizable field-based irrigation and nutrient management decision support tools, guided by automated field-based phenotyping systems. Research directly addresses American farmers' need for innovative agricultural technologies and management systems to optimize resource use, mitigate abiotic stress impacts, and improve farm profitability. This research aims to bridge cutting-edge science with practical solutions to support production of nutritious foods across the United States and secure a healthy future. You will be part of a research team responsible for developing and testing a novel automated field-based high throughput phenotyping system. You will also assist in conducting experimental design, data collection from field experiments, and data analysis.

Research will focus on two components:

Outputs from the platform will be input to ACSL crop models to provide management decision recommendations. You will collaborate directly with scientific staff to implement experiments and evaluate stress detection and decision support recommendation accuracy. Field data collection will include automated phenotyping measurements, as well as crop development, phenology, photosynthesis, and yield.

During the appointment, you will;

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Christine Chang (christine.chang@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $63,940 - $68,202 annually.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g.  plant physiology, remote sensing, agricultural engineering, or a related field). Degree must have been received within the past three years or is anticipated to be received by 9/1/2026.

$63,940.00 – $68,202.00 Yearly

 

Location: Alpine, Texas 

Start Date: Fall Semester 2026
Application Deadline:  Open until a candidate has been identified
Stipend included: $18,000 plus fringe annually
 

The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University is seeking a motivated master’s (MS) student to become part of a team that will focused on wetland management techniques and Mexican ducks (Anas diazi) around Balmorhea, Texas. The student will engage in active wetland management, including water infrastructure maintenance and manipulation, vegetation control, and trapping and marking Mexican Ducks. The project will provide opportunities to test and apply different ecological techniques and theories, including moist-soil management, novel tracking technology, niche theory, and source-sink dynamics.

1.      Wetland Management Objective: Evaluate different wetland management practices for arid spring-driven systems that enhance use by Mexican ducks and other waterbirds. Monitor biotic and abiotic conditions. Support the development of a Habitat Management Plan. 

 

2.      Mexican Duck Movement Objective: Investigate movement patterns and habitat use of Mexican ducks. Test for source-sink dynamics in the Balmorhea region and inform the regional ecology and management of endemic Mexican ducks. 

·         B.S. in Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field

·         Experience or coursework in GIS and quantitative analysis preferred

·         Demonstrated interest in wetland ecology, wetland-dependent wildlife conservation, or habitat management

·         Ability to mentor and supervise an Undergraduate student in the Borderlands Undergraduate Mentor Program (BUMP)

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills

·         Ability to work independently and collaboratively with agency partners

Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high-quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in serving many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students.
 
 From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals.
 
 For more information visit www.sulross.edu

Information about the Borderlands Research Institute can be found at: https://bri.sulross.edu/

 

Dr. Dan Collins at dan.collins@sulross.edu and Dr. Antonio Cantu at antonio.cantu@sulross.edu 

 *Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Beltsville, Maryland.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

The Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory (ACSL) at the USDA-ARS Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, Maryland conducts integrated experimental and modeling research to understand how crops respond to key abiotic factors such as weather, soil conditions, and management practices. Our team designs and carries out controlled experiments and develops, validates, and applies advanced mathematical models to investigate a wide range of agricultural challenges, including the impacts of extreme weather on crop production, food security, on-farm resource management, and farmer competitiveness.

Research Project: Conservation practices, including cover crops, crop rotation, and no-tillage, are profoundly important for U.S. agriculture, contributing to its productivity and resilience. The Postdoctoral Program of the USDA ARS offers research opportunities for motivated postdoctoral fellows interested in applying process-based cropping system models to quantify the short- and long-term effects of these conservation practices on soil health and crop productivity for U.S. growers.

This specific project seeks to develop cutting-edge decision support tools for accurately predicting cash and cover crop performance across key U.S. crops, including maize, soybean, wheat, cotton, and cereal rye. By integrating advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques with process-based crop models, this research will empower farmers to optimize conservation practices, increase profitability, and ensure long-term land productivity.

Learning Objectives: Through mentorship, you will learn about and gain experience in:

Through this educational experience, you will develop advanced skills in process-based cropping system modeling, data analysis, and the application of AI/ML techniques in agricultural research. You will also gain a holistic understanding of the entire research data lifecycle, from experimental design and data collection to model development, evaluation, and the translation of scientific findings into practical decision support tools.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Eunjin Han (eunjin.han@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 14, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $63,940 - $68,202 annually.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 9/1/2026.

$63,940.00 – $68,202.00 Yearly

 

Job Description: INTERPRETIVE NATURALISTS (3) needed for fall migration monitoring projects at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO), Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world’s greatest hotspots for animal migration and a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. This combination offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach. The Interpretive Naturalists will gain valuable experience in progressing from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of how we are working to monitor and protect New Jersey’s resident and migratory wildlife, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of these important resources. NJ Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated.

 

·        Orient and assist visitors to the Cape May Hawkwatch, Avalon Seawatch, and Morning Flight Songbird Counts. During the peak migration times over 800 people may visit per day!

·        Deliver educational workshops focused on bird identification and migration phenomena.

·        Assist visitors with bird identification and assist the counters when needed.

·        Maintain records of visitor numbers.

·        Assist with the design and maintenance of interpretive exhibits, displays, and other center-based informational materials.

·        Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base. 

 

Community Relations  

·        Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization’s presence to increase local awareness, support, and participation.

·        Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center.

·        Assume additional responsibilities or assignments as required by supervisor or department head.

 

·        Familiarity with bird migration and birding. Experience identifying raptors, passerines, and/or seabirds in flight is a plus, but learning on the job is possible. Training and support will be provided during our pre-season orientation.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to accept direction and constructive feedback. 

·        Motivated self-starter with capacity to work in a team setting with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.

·        Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines.

·        Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

·        Excellent oral communication skills required.

·        Ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.

·        A willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.

 

·        Must have your own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and be able to operate a vehicle in NJ.

·        Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials, and to lift 25 lbs. 

 

Starting Date:  August 26, 2026   

End Date:  October 31, 2026

Compensation: $16.00 per hour. Housing may be provided.

Application Deadline:  June 1, 2026

 

To apply, email your cover letter and resume (include phone contact info) as a single document, and indicate “Interpretive Naturalist” in the subject line to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org, so your application is routed to the appropriate department for review.

 

Please note, this is not a direct hire role with New Jersey Audubon Society.  Employment will be through an outside staffing agency.  Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of all relevant background checks, verifications and required paperwork.  Employment will be considered ‘at will.’

 

Job Description: MONARCH FIELD NATURALISTS (2) needed August 26 to November 14, 2026  for ongoing Monarch Monitoring Project (MMP) at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO), Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world's great hot spots for migration. The Monarch Field Naturalists will gain valuable experience in progressing from an active learner to a skilled leader with a clear understanding of how we are working to monitor and protect New Jersey’s resident and migratory butterflies and wildlife, and the ability to engage a diverse public audience to become stewards of these important resources. NJ Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated.  

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Educational Programming 

Research
Complete daily point counts of migrating monarchs and other insects across Cape Island. 

Membership
·        Strive to increase NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory membership base.

Community Relations 
·        Represent NJ Audubon in the local community, expanding the organization’s presence to increase local awareness, support, and participation.

Other
·        Participates with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center.

·        Assume additional responsibilities or assignments as required by supervisor or department head.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Familiarity with insect ecology is a plus but not required. Training and support will be provided during our pre-season orientation.

QUALIFICATIONS
·        Must have your own vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and be able to operate a vehicle in NJ.

·        Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, able to move materials, and to lift 25 lbs.

Start Date: August 26, 2026               
End Date: November 14, 2026

Compensation: $16.25 per hour. Housing may be available.
 
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
To apply, email your cover letter and resume (include phone contact info) and indicate “Monarch Field Naturalist” in the subject line to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org, so your application is routed to the appropriate department for review.
 
Please note, this is not a direct hire role with New Jersey Audubon Society.  Employment will be through an outside staffing agency.  Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of all relevant background checks, verifications and required paperwork.  Employment will be considered ‘at will.’
 

Title- Watercraft Inspector
Classification- Natural Resources Technician 2
Job Status- Full-Time - Non-Permanent
Number of Vacancies- Four (4)
Appointment- 4 months– May 2, 2026 – September 1, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Division
Duty Station- Liberty Lake, Washington – Spokane County
Posting Timeline- This recruitment has been re-opened and will be posted until May 7, 2026. If you applied previously your application is still under consideration and you do not need to re-apply. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time, 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
 

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Watercraft Inspector will, 

 

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. Shifts may vary based on operational needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening, weekend work or holidays as needed. 

Customer Interactions: Interact with the public at mandatory check stations for trailered watercraft and decontaminations of infested AIS watercraft and occasionally is confronted with citizens that are non-compliant or not cooperative.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License

Bachelor’s degree in the field of fish, wildlife, or habitat management, agriculture, forestry, or a natural resource science

Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resource Worker 2.

 

 

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-02729.

Position title: M.S. Graduate Assistantship, Assessment of noninvasive monitoring strategies for mountain lions in Val Verde County, TX

Position location: Kingsville, TX

Position supervisors: Dr. Lisanne Petracca, Assistant Professor of Carnivore Ecology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute; Dr. Matthew Smith, Research Assistant Professor, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Stipend/Salary: $2,000 per month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period) and full tuition waiver (nonresident tuition waived-resident tuition fees apply but will be reimbursed to ensure a full tuition waiver)

 

Start date: August 2026

Deadline to apply: 11:59 PM PST June 7, 2026

Position description: The Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M – Kingsville is pleased to announce an M.S. opportunity to assess noninvasive monitoring strategies for mountain lions in Val Verde County, Texas. This project is part of the Texas Lion Project, for which we are assessing lion movement ecology, demographics, genetics, and foraging ecology to gain a better understanding of mountain lion population status in the State of Texas. This position will be primarily focused on deployment of cameras, hair snares, and scat collection teams to evaluate best practices for determining large-scale presence of a low-density, elusive carnivore in rugged terrain. This student would also serve on the mountain lion live capture team each winter. This position is funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and will provide required deliverables on the presence of mountain lions in this understudied county. 

The SPEC Lab is a new and growing lab and we expect to recruit students who are passionate about carnivore conservation AND prepared for the challenges of working in rugged landscapes in temperatures that are regularly in the 80s-90s+. Interested applicants should note that a thoughtful cover letter addressing motivations and both minimum and desired qualifications will be the most important factor in choosing the finalist pool.

1.       Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Ecology, Statistics, or related field by the anticipated start date (Fall 2026)

2.       Familiarity with the coding language R

3.       Familiarity with the statistical analysis of data from wildlife populations

4.       Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging environmental conditions

5.       Ability to meet deadlines

6.       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

7.       Excellent written and personal communication skills 

1.       Experience deploying and monitoring camera trap arrays

2.       Experience deploying hair snares

3.       Experience in geospatial analysis (R, ArcGIS, QGIS)

4.       Experience with live-trapping, chemical immobilization, and/or GPS collaring of wildlife

Please submit a *single .pdf* to Program Manager Alexandra Dart at alexandra.dart@tamuk.edu titled “MS_Position_LionMonitoring_ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName.” For example, if your name is Amanda Clark, your single .pdf will be titled “MS_Position_LionMonitoring _Clark_Amanda.pdf.”

Importantly, this .pdf should have 

1.  a (max) one-page, single-spaced letter of interest that describes your qualifications and how this position fits into your career goals

2.  a CV that includes contact information (phone and email) for three references that can attest to your professional and academic abilities 

3.  unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate institution

4.  an example of your scientific writing (e.g., undergraduate thesis, undergraduate capstone project, etc.)