Natural Resources Job Board

 

This 10.5-month position includes free housing and financial support.  

  

The University of Idaho fellows in Environmental Education and Science Communication earn a Master of Natural Resources through a unique combination of academic theory and hands-on practice. Living at the scenic McCall Field Campus, grads develop an array of professional skills and expertise. Applied coursework and targeted study in science communication, leadership, place-based education, and ecology, give grads what they need to earn a degree, make a difference, and find their place.  NOTE: we are unable to accept international students into the program at this time.  

 

Graduate fellows in Environmental Education and Science Communication can expect to: 

-  Experience learning in new ways by taking experiential coursework in ecology, science communication, place-based education, and leadership. 

-  Gain instructional skills as a part of a mentored teaching practicum through our award-winning  McCall Outdoor Science School (www.uidaho.edu/moss) 

-  Build interdisciplinary thinking skills to address the world’s complex socio-ecological issues. 

-  Enjoy a 1:8 faculty to graduate student ratio that ensures a student-centered approach to learning. 

-  Participate in a supportive, community-based, learning experience that prepares students for a wide range of professions. 

-  Take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip into the Taylor Wilderness Research Station located in the heart of the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness. 

  

Learn more at https://www.uidaho.edu/mccall-field-campus/academics or contact our recruiting team at cnr-mnr-eesc@uidaho.edu. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for positions starting in the fall of 2026. 

 

The mission of the McCall FIELD CAMPUS AND OUTDOOR SCIENCE SCHOOL is to transform individuals and communities through innovative research and educational experiences. We envision vibrant, diverse and inclusive communities, empowered to ask difficult questions and transform ways of thinking, to collaboratively and compassionately sustain the social and ecological systems that provide for us.  

 

Our faculty, staff and students value creativity, sustainability, diversity, inclusion, integrity, collaboration and reflection. To this end, we educate, lead, discover, create and communicate. 

 

 

Landscape Fitness & Migratory Connectivity for Wildlife Conservation

Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

 

Position Type: PhD Graduate Research Assistant

Duration: 4 Years (with potential to extend pending additional funding)

Stipend: $28,000/year + Tuition Waiver

Start Date: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 (Fall 2026 preferred)

 

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a collaborative, multi-institutional research team focused on advancing our understanding of energetics, fitness, and migratory connectivity across Utah's diverse landscapes. This position is part of a partnership between Utah State University (USU), Brigham Young University (BYU), and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), reflecting the strong commitment to science-driven conservation and wildlife management in the state.

 

Two of the dissertation chapters will address existing applied questions within the state of Utah, but there will be substantial flexibility in addressing questions of interest to the candidate for the remaining dissertation chapters. To address the existing questions, the successful candidate will develop and apply novel spatial and analytical methods to evaluate fitness metrics across mule deer seasonal ranges and movement corridors using 10+ years of data on body condition, movement, recruitment, and survival. Additionally, the candidate will evaluate the landscape's capacity to support deer energetic demands throughout the annual cycle. These results will be used to identify areas of disproportionate conservation and management importance, including critical summer ranges, winter ranges, and migration corridors. Results will directly inform UDWR's herd management plans and contribute to statewide and regional mule deer conservation strategies.

 

· Quantify fitness metrics in mule deer across the landscape using field-based body condition assessments and remote sensing proxies tied to forage quality and availability.

·  Map the spatial distribution of different fitness components, identifying areas of high and low productivity across summer range, winter range, and migration corridors.

· Identify areas of disproportionate conservation importance relative to fitness metrics: highly productive summer and winter ranges, critical migration corridors, and nutritional bottlenecks limiting population performance.

· Translate findings into actionable conservation and habitat management recommendations for UDWR herd management units across Utah.

 

· Develop spatial models and GIS-based analyses integrating fitness data with landscape and habitat covariates.

· Manage and curate large ecological datasets and contribute to collaborative data-sharing platforms.

· Collaborate closely with advisors, agency biologists, and partner institutions; attend regular team meetings.

· Mentor undergraduate researchers and contribute to lab and department activities.

·  Prepare and submit peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and grant proposals.

 

· M.S. degree in wildlife biology, ecology, mammalogy, or a closely related field by the start date (exceptional B.S. applicants with relevant experience may be considered).

· Experience with large mammal field work

· Demonstrated quantitative skills and experience with statistical analysis in R, Python, or equivalent.

· Strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by publications, theses, or professional presentations.

· Demonstrated experience working with a diversity of academic and agency personnel with different values, opinions, and expertise.

· Ability and willingness to conduct strenuous field work in remote environments, including early mornings, inclement weather, and extended field campaigns.

· Valid driver's license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles on primitive roads.

· Familiarity with landscape ecology, GIS/remote sensing, and spatial modeling (e.g., occupancy models, integrated population models).

· Prior collaborative work with state/federal wildlife agencies.

· Record of peer-reviewed publication(s).

· Experience working in collaborative, multi-institutional research environments.

 

·  Annual stipend: $28,000/year for 4 years (with some cost of living increases), contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Potential for extension beyond 4 years pending additional funding.

·  Full tuition waiver at USU

·  Health insurance coverage per university graduate student policy.

·  Travel funding to present at national and regional scientific conferences.

·   Access to field equipment and computational resources at USU, BYU, and UDWR.

 

This position is part of an integrated research team spanning three institutions:

·  Utah State University (USU); primary degree-granting institution

·  Brigham Young University (BYU); collaborating institution providing expertise in ungulate ecology and fitness

·  Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR); agency partner providing field logistical support, expertise in ungulate ecology and fitness, owners of 10+ year dataset of movement and fitness metrics on mule deer from across the state of Utah, and direct management application for research outcomes.

 

The student primarily will be advised by Dr. Tayler LaSharr (USU), but will also be mentored by and collaborate closely with Dr. Kent Hersey (UDWR), Makeda Hanson (UDWR), Dr. Randy Larsen (BYU), Dr. Brock McMillian (BYU), and Dr. Kezia Manlove (USU), in addition to many other academic and agency collaborators. 

 

Interested applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF to tayler.lasharr@usu.edu with the subject line "LASTNAME – PhD Application – Landscape Fitness" (please copy the “–” and spacing exactly so your email does not get removed when sorting in the inbox):

·  Cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and how this position aligns with your career goals (max 1 page).

· Curriculum vitae, including GPA and GRE scores if available.

·  Contact information for three professional references (letters may be requested at a later date).

· One writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter, published manuscript, or technical report).

 

Review of applications will begin on June 22nd and continue until the position is filled.

 

 

Position Description: 

The Kentucky State University (KYSU) School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science (SAAS) seeks applicants for a graduate student (M.S.) supported through a research assistantship to start in the fall of 2026. The student will work in Dr. Patrick Erbland’s lab. 

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research focused on behavioral observation of fish to estimate their level of appetite. The candidate will also develop and build a prototype feeding system that dispenses food based on this appetite estimate. The candidate will focus on low-cost sensors (i.e. video, audio, motion, etc.) The student will be expected to fulfill all KYSU graduate school requirements and assist with other work and SAAS activities. 

Qualifications: 

 Required – B.S. in Engineering, Biology or related field; A valid US driver’s license; Willingness to work long hours (including some weekends and holidays) and tolerate harsh field conditions (e.g., heat/cold, humidity, rain, insects); Ability to follow protocols and a strong attention to detail; Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines; Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Preferred – Experience conducting field and lab work related to aquaculture; experience designing and building prototype equipment; proficiency with computer programming language(s) such as python; able to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers; commitment to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals; interest in aquaculture 

Salary: $30,000/ yr, tuition and benefits are not covered, however grants to cover tuition may be pursued 

To apply: 

Prior to applying to the Graduate School, qualified applicants should send a single email containing: 1) cover letter describing professional interests (1-page max), 2) a resume, 3) unofficial transcripts of college-level work, and 4) contact information for 3 professional references to Dr. Patrick Erbland (patrick.erbland@kysu.edu) with “Smart Feeder MS application” in the subject line. Open until filled. Review of applications will begin on June 15th, 2026. Start date is August 2026, pending successful funding of the project. 

About Kentucky State University: 

Kentucky State University (KSU) was chartered in May 1886 as a land grant institution and is located in the Kentucky state capital, Frankfort. KSU has more than 2,800 students, 450 faculty and staff members. The University’s student-faculty ratio is the lowest among public institutions of higher learning in the Commonwealth. 

The KSU Aquatic Research Center (ARC) includes 33 research ponds (24 at 0.1 acre; nine at 0.05 acre); a 3,000-square-foot hatchery for spawning, holding, and experimental tanks; a 3,500-square-foot nutrition laboratory, genomics lab and our fish disease diagnostic laboratory. The 14,400-square-foot Aquatic Production Technologies Laboratory supports controlled-environment, year-round production research across multiple species. This indoor, closed-system facility includes intensive recirculating systems, a water-quality lab, and a state-of-the-art genetics lab. 

Current species under investigation include largemouth bass, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, tilapia, koi, paddlefish, freshwater prawns, Australian redclaw crayfish, saltwater shrimp, flounder, and freshwater mussels. 

POSITION: Full-time (40 hrs/wk) recent graduate Laboratory Technician in the USGS Selenium Research Laboratory.

LOCATION: U.S. Geological Survey, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA. In person, telework or WFH not available.

REQUIREMENTS: Completion of bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, geology, chemistry, environmental science or related field with a GPA higher than 3.0 out of 4.0. Must have graduated within the last 12 months.

The USGS Selenium Research Laboratory offers a two-year student contractor position for recent STEM graduates to aid in advanced laboratory method development using laser ablation and mass spectrometry. The role involves laboratory operations and data analysis to support environmental research, providing hands-on experience with high-level analytical instrumentation at the USGS Moffett Field facility. The position provides mentorship and opportunities to contribute to publications and research products. Master’s‑level applicants will have expanded opportunities to lead self‑directed research projects.

·       Experience with trace-metal chemistry or microplastic laboratory techniques.

·       Experience with mass spectrometry or similar laboratory instruments.

·       Comfortable working in a trace-metal clean laboratory.

·       Passion for environmental science.

·       Self-motivated, highly organized, and meticulous individuals will thrive in this role.

PAY: 

Bachelor’s degree: $32.54/hour and $62,717 annually. 

Master’s degree: $48.15/hour and $92,833 annually.

This is a 2-year student contractor position contingent on continuation of funding. Contractor is paid for each hour worked and is not eligible for paid holidays, overtime, or annual leave benefits. One hour of sick leave is accrued for every 30 hours worked. Not eligible to participate in employee medical, insurance or retirement plans.

Position requires standing for long periods of time and wearing laboratory safety equipment.

To Apply: 

Please send a non-AI generated resume and cover letter to Ben Linhoff (blinhoff@usgs.gov). Please include your last name and “Student Contractor Position” in the subject line. Applications submitted before June 15th will receive full consideration. Expected start date in September.

 

The McCune lab (kelseymccune.com) at Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is hiring a MS or PhD student to research personality and cognition in wild birds. The successful applicant will develop automated technology to support field-based methods for measuring behavioral traits in common native birds in the southeastern US. Specifically, the student will be responsible for designing hardware and programming software for feeder apparatuses. These “smart feeders” will be deployed in backyards and natural areas across Auburn and surrounding sites to assess variation in behavioral traits related to human environmental change and avian disease prevalence.

Basic Responsibilities:

·      Conduct literature reviews

·      Develop research questions, experimental design and methods

·      Design smart feeders, code behavioral programs, manage feeders in the field

·      Collaborate with professionals from other institutions and interdisciplinary backgrounds 

·      Supervise undergraduates, field assistants and interns as necessary 

·      Write and publish findings in peer reviewed scientific journals

·      Present findings at conferences and for public outreach

·      Meet Auburn University graduate program requirements and deadlines

·      Contribute to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere

Minimum qualifications:

·      Candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a GPA > 3.0 prior to starting

·      Experience conducting research related to avian behavior, cognition, comparative psychology or ecology

·      Strong communication skills in oral and written English

·      Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

·      Self-motivation, a positive attitude, and strong critical thinking skills

·      Candidates applying for the PhD position should have completed a MS degree before beginning this role

 

Desired qualifications:

·      Demonstrated experience using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, microcontroller circuit boards, the program Arduino or related software 

·      Experience working with the programming language R  

·      Experiencing analyzing PIT tag or RFID tag data

·      Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals or professional presentations

Compensation: Stipend of $23,000 - 28,000 per year depending on experience and degree (MS or PhD), plus benefits and a tuition waiver. 

How to apply: Fill out this Google Form with your general contact information and upload the following in the application portal as a single PDF document with the file name “LastName_FirstName.pdf”.

1)    Statement of interest - maximum of 2 pages (single-spaced, 12-point font) describing your relevant qualifications, your research interests

2)    CV

3)    Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended

4)    Contact information for 3 professional references

Application deadline is August 31st, but I encourage you to apply early as applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. More information about our graduate program can be found here: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/graduate-study/graduate-degrees/.

Competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. The successful applicant will then be asked to apply to Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment for admission in Spring 2027, and will be expected to arrive prior to the first day of classes (January 6th). Note that GRE scores are not required for admission but may create opportunities for additional funding support (e.g., Auburn Presidential Graduate Opportunity Program). Email Dr. Kelsey McCune (kbm0054@auburn.edu) with questions or issues.

PhD Graduate Assistantship (Sea Lamprey Aquaculture, Metamorphosis, and Juvenile Ecology)

Position: PhD Graduate Research Assistantship

Start date: Fall 2026

Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, with research activities at Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, Michigan

Advisor: Dr John B. Hume, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University

 

That Lamprey Lab (https://thatlampreylab.com) at Michigan State University is recruiting a PhD student to join a Great Lakes Fishery Commission-supported research program focused on sea lamprey aquaculture, metamorphosis, and juvenile feeding ecology.

The student will contribute to the Sea Lamprey Aquaculture and Procurement Initiative, a collaborative project designed to develop reliable methods for producing sea lamprey for research and management. The project addresses a major bottleneck in sea lamprey research: the limited availability of large larvae, transformers, and juveniles for experimental studies.

The PhD student will lead an integrative project examining the transition from large larvae to transformers and early-stage juveniles. The project will compare artificially propagated laboratory-reared sea lamprey and wild-origin / wild-caught lab-reared sea lamprey to determine whether they differ in the timing, rate, morphology, and probability of completing metamorphosis. The student will also help evaluate whether larval growth history, body condition, metamorphic progression, and juvenile phenotype predict subsequent feeding performance. Depending on juvenile availability and project progress, the student may also contribute to work evaluating artificial feeding approaches for juvenile sea lamprey, including feeder design, host-associated sensory cues, and short-term attachment or feeding responses.

The student will gain experience with aquatic animal husbandry, experimental aquaculture, experimental design, data management, and statistical analysis. The project will involve periodic travel to Hammond Bay Biological Station.

 

Applicants should have:

·      A degree in biology, ecology, animal science, physiology, or a related field by the start date.

·      Interest in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, aquaculture, invasive species biology, animal behavior, developmental biology, or Great Lakes management.

·      Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·      Willingness to work with live animals.

·      Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-investigator research program.

·      Strong written and oral communication skills.

·      Applicants with a Masters degree are encouraged to apply, although exceptional BS-level applicants will be considered.

 

Preferred qualifications include experience with one or more of the following:

·      Fish husbandry or aquatic laboratory systems.

·      Live-animal experiments or behavioral trials.

·      Statistical analysis, data management, or reproducible workflows.

·      Great Lakes research, sea lamprey biology, host–parasite interactions, or applied fisheries management.

 

The assistantship includes an annual graduate stipend, tuition support, and health benefits. Final stipend level will follow Michigan State University and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife graduate assistantship rates. Support is contingent on satisfactory academic progress, and admission to Michigan State University.

 

Interested applicants should send:

·      A cover letter describing research interests, a brief statement describing why this project is of interest, relevant experience, and career goals.

·      A CV.

·      Unofficial transcripts.

·      Contact information for 2–3 references.

Please send materials to:

Dr John B. Hume

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Michigan State University

Email: jhume@msu.edu

Review of applications will begin 15 July 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

MS Graduate Assistantship (Juvenile Sea Lamprey Feeding Behavior and Growth)

Position: MS Graduate Research Assistantship
Start date: Spring 2027
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, with research activities at Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, Michigan
Advisor: Dr John B. Hume, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University

That Lamprey Lab (https://thatlampreylab.com) at Michigan State University is recruiting a Masters student to study juvenile sea lamprey feeding behavior and early parasitic growth. This position is part of the Sea Lamprey Aquaculture and Procurement Initiative, a Great Lakes Fishery Commission-supported research program focused on developing reliable methods for producing and maintaining later life stages of sea lamprey for research and management.

The student will lead a project examining whether laboratory-reared and wild-origin juvenile sea lamprey differ in host-seeking behavior, attachment success, feeding duration, wound characteristics, survival, and growth when offered live host fishes under controlled laboratory conditions. The project will address both fundamental questions about the transition to parasitism and applied questions about whether captive-reared juvenile sea lamprey are suitable for research and management use. Depending on juvenile availability and project progress, the student may also contribute to work evaluating artificial feeding approaches for juvenile sea lamprey, including feeder design, host-associated sensory cues, and short-term attachment or feeding responses.

The student will gain experience with aquatic animal husbandry, behavioral experiments, juvenile sea lamprey handling, host–parasite interactions, video or direct behavioral observation, experimental design, data management, and statistical analysis. The project will involve periodic travel to Hammond Bay Biological Station.

Applicants should have:

Preferred qualifications include experience with one or more of the following:

The assistantship includes an annual graduate stipend, tuition support, and health benefits. Final stipend level will follow Michigan State University and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife graduate assistantship rates. Support is contingent on final project funding, satisfactory academic progress, and admission to Michigan State University.

Interested applicants should send:

Please send materials to:

Dr John B. Hume
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Michigan State University
Email: jhume@msu.edu

Review of applications will begin 15 September 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Dr. Entwistle & Dr. Carter with USU are recruiting a MS student to start in Fall 2026. Successful applicants should be interested in conducting applied research and extension projects, with a focus on water quality monitoring and environmental data analysis. The project will include a mix of field work, lab work, data analysis, and community engagement activities. 

Project:
The successful applicant will lead an Extension-funded project that will include significant work with volunteers and project partners. The student should be interested in developing science communication skills as they will be involved in delivering workshops, meeting with community partners, and developing other outreach materials.

The project will work on developing low-tech, low-cost water quality monitoring protocols that can be performed by volunteers to help assess water quality changes after the implementation of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration techniques (LTPBR). The student will conduct statistical analyses to evaluate the consistency of volunteer-collected data and synthesize patterns broadly across the monitoring program. The implementation of LTPBR projects has increased around the State, however; it is difficult to find funding to support long-term monitoring of these projects that could help support many practitioners refine and improve restoration approaches. The results of this project will help increase statewide capacity to evaluate restored stream sites and support the needs of practitioners around the State. 

Compensation:
MS students: $27,000 per year stipend for two years

Full tuition waiver

Subsidized health insurance

 

Qualifications: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher from an accredited institution. A strong background in mathematics, writing, and data management is required. Students must have the ability to maintain positive working relationships with members of both departments as well as outside stakeholder groups. The student will be required to conduct field work in variable conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain) and may need to lift equipment <25lbs. Prior research, water quality monitoring, and science communication experience is viewed favorably, but not required. 

 

Location: The student will be housed in either the Department of Watershed Sciences or the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

 

Start date:  August 24, 2026

Contact both Dr. Clare Entwistle & Dr. Alice Carter with questions or to apply at clare.entwistle@usu.edu & alice.carter@usu.edu with the subject line WATER QUALITY MS CANDIDATE. With your email, please attach (1) a letter of intent describing your background & previous research experience, current research interests & how they align with this project, and future career goals, (2) a pdf of your CV, (3) unofficial transcripts or a brief list of relevant coursework completed and (4) the contact information for two references.
 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. After an initial screening, selected candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview prior to final selection. Potential applicants should submit materials as soon as possible to ensure consideration.  

 

 Additional information:

Department of Watershed Sciences Graduate Programs: https://qanr.usu.edu/wats/programs/graduate/ 

Department of Mathematics & Statistics Graduate Programs: https://www.usu.edu/degrees-majors/statistics_ms 

I am recruiting a highly motivated MS student to start in Fall 2026. Successful applicants should be interested in conducting applied research and extension projects, with a focus on water quality monitoring and environmental data analysis. The project will include a mix of field work, lab work, and community engagement activities. 

The successful applicant will lead an Extension-funded project that will help identify nutrient management solutions that can be implemented at dairy farms. The student should be interested in developing science communication skills as they will be involved in delivering workshops, meeting with community partners, and developing other outreach materials.

The project will work to improve on-farm water management and irrigation efficiency in dairy operations. The student will work with a participating dairy farm to evaluate the efficiency of liquid manure application in flood irrigated dairy cropping systems. In addition, the student will identify how biochar and woodchips could be implemented to improve the water quality of runoff leaving the field. The results of this project will help inform dairy operators of nutrient management strategies that can reduce the need for commercial fertilizer and protect surrounding water quality.

Compensation:
$27,000 per year stipend

Full tuition waiver

Subsidized health insurance

 

Qualifications: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher from an accredited institution. A strong background in writing, analytical methods, and data management is required. The student must have the ability to maintain positive working relationships with members of the lab and department, as well as outside stakeholder groups. The student will be required to conduct field work in variable conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain) and may need to lift equipment <25lbs. Prior research, water quality monitoring, and science communication experience is viewed favorably, but not required. 

 

Location: The student will be housed in the Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

 

Start date:  preferred start date August 24, 2026, however a start date in January 2027 may be considered.

Contact Dr. Clare Entwistle with questions or to apply at clare.entwistle@usu.edu with the subject line NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT MS CANDIDATE. With your email, please attach (1) a letter of intent outlining your qualifications, research interests, future career goals, & how they align with this project; (2) a pdf of your CV; (3) a writing sample; and (4) the contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. After an initial screening, selected candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview prior to final selection. Potential applicants should submit materials as soon as possible to ensure full consideration.  

 

Department of Watershed Sciences Graduate Programs: https://qanr.usu.edu/wats/programs/graduate/