Natural Resources Job Board

Application Deadline: February 20, 2025 (preferred)

Salary: $28,500-$30,500/y plus tuition waiver

Project Duration: July 1, 2025 to December 30, 2028

Education Required: M.S. degree in fisheries/aquatic sciences.

Experience Required: Fish movement; sturgeon biology/ecology; fish physiology.

Location: Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

Project Description: Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) populations have declined across much of their range in North America owing to factors that include overharvest, impoundment of rivers, and habitat loss. Like other sturgeons, the life-history attributes of Lake Sturgeon (e.g., late age at maturity) make them vulnerable to overharvest and slow to recruit to the spawning population. Restoration of Lake Sturgeon populations requires effective management and long-term monitoring. Thus, information about the abundance, reproductive status, and spawning success of Lake Sturgeon provides useful information for species recovery. A cooperative effort between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SD GFP) aims to return Lake Sturgeon to Big Stone Lake in the upper Minnesota River basin. Young Lake Sturgeon have been stocked annually by MN DNR in Big Stone Lake since 2014. Survival of these fish has been good for a number of year-classes, with some (older) fish now exceeding fifty inches. The goals of this project include evaluating the Lake Sturgeon population within the upper Minnesota River basin and assessing fish movements to evaluate the effectiveness of stocking and habitat restoration efforts. By evaluating movement and reproductive status of the Lake Sturgeon population, this study will help identify the importance of restored spawning areas as well as other potential habitats including juvenile/adult rearing habitats. 

Start date: Flexible, late May to late June 2025.

To Apply: Please include the following application materials:

(1)   A 1–2-page cover letter describing your interest and experience related to the position.

(2)   Current Resume and a copy of academic transcripts (unofficial copies are fine).

(3)   Names and contact information for three references familiar with your background and work experience.  

Please email your application packet to Dr. Steven R. Chipps with “PhD Application” in the Subject Line. The committee will review applications until an acceptable candidate is found, with a preference for those received by February 20, 2025.

Steve R. Chipps, Unit Leader
U.S. Geological Survey, South Dakota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit

Department of Natural Resource Management
Box 2140B, 1390 College Ave
Brookings SD, 57007 

605-688-5467

Steven.Chipps@sdstate.edu (preferred contact)