Natural Resources Job Board

Project title: Provisioning Fisheries: Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Values of Anglers in the Lake Michigan Basin. 

Start Date: Summer 2025 

Position: Funded 2-year MSc position at Virginia Tech 

Primary supervisor:  Dr. Elizabeth Nyboer, Virginia Tech 

Co-supervisor: Dr. Vivian Nguyen, Carleton University. 

Project description: This project will explore perspectives, experiences, and values of underrepresented and marginalized fisher groups in and around Lake Michigan’s recreational fisheries. It will explore “provisioning fisheries” as a relatively new concept that draws attention to diverse fishers and fisheries that are not well captured in the conventional fisheries research and management frameworks The overarching goal of the project is to characterize and document provisioning fishers and fisheries in and around Lake Michigan to understand the degree to which this segment of the population needs to be prioritized in fisheries management strategies and policies. Specific objectives include to: 

1.      Characterize provisioning fishers in terms of their fishing behavior, needs, motivations, values and socio-demographics. 

2.      Understanding the risks and benefits of engaging in provisioning fisheries. 

3.      Explore experiences, perceptions, expectations, and priorities of provisioning fishers relative to current fisheries management and other relevant policies (e.g., access site development, regulations, communications, consumption advisories). 

Your duties: Your project will be primarily focused on objectives two and three and will involve developing and implementing surveys and interviews/focus groups with groups of underrepresented fisher groups in urban centers on Lake Michigan (Grand Rapids, Chicago, Milwaukee, etc.) and conduct interviews with fisheries managers. You will be involved in recruitment of fishers, conduct all data analysis, preparing manuscripts for publication, and development of knowledge dissemination materials and multi-sectoral workshops. You will be part of a larger research team so excellent coordination and communication skills are a must. Course work will be completed at Virginia Tech in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the United States. Please learn more about requirements for graduate students here.  You will be required to complete and successfully defend a research-based MSc Thesis to obtain your degree. 

Qualifications: 

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Science, Social Science, Ecology, or a related field from an accredited institution 

·        At least 6 months of research experience or professional experience in a related field 

Desired characteristics: 

·        Knowledge of and experience with Lake Michigan’s fish and fisheries 

·        Project coordination and communication skills 

·        Experience in social science research methodologies: surveys, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews 

·        Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis 

·        Excellent written and oral communications skills 

·        Proficiency with a variety of computer software (survey tools, Microsoft office, data analysis software) 

To apply: 

Please compile the following documents in a single PDF and submit to Dr. Elizabeth Nyboer at enyboer@vt.edu by March 30, 2024, 11:59 PM. 

·        Cover letter (2 pages max) outlining your (1) research and work experience, (2) relevant accomplishments, skills, and abilities, (3) why you are interested in this project, and (4) how being part of this project will support your career goals. 

·        Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max) 

·        University Transcripts 

·        Minimum of ONE letter of recommendation from a mentor or supervisor who has worked with you professionally (2 pages max). 

Funding and salary: The successful candidate will be fully covered for tuition, salary, and benefits for 2 academic years, plus field work expenses. The student will be covered for one year of study by a grant provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and for one year through a combination of research assistantships and teaching assistantships at Virginia Tech.  Salaries are ~$33,500 per annum, plus benefits. Tuition will be fully covered. Student fees (~$3500 per year) will be paid by the student. 

Candidates of interest will be contacted for an online (zoom) interview.