Natural Resources Job Board

An M.S. Graduate Assistantship is available in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee, under the supervision of Dr. Tyler Gifford. The USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis, National Resource Use Monitoring program collects Timber Products Output (TPO) data to estimate the production of roundwood and mill residue by-products. The incoming student will contribute to a larger project focused on assessing the current TPO sample methodology and evaluating alternative designs and frequencies to improve uncertainty in estimates such as county-level volume production. This position will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts and researchers within the USDA Forest Service and the University of Tennessee. The student will be expected to participate in regular collaborative meetings, present results at professional meetings and conferences, and publish findings in reputable academic journals.

LOCATION: Knoxville, Tennessee with occasional travel to present results at meetings and conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS: A B.S. degree in forestry, natural resources, statistics, geographic information systems (GIS), or a related field is required. The incoming student must have a strong interest in statistics and data analysis. Prior experience with statistical and GIS software (e.g., R, Stata, ArcGIS, etc.) is strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION AND TIMELINE: This 2-year M.S. Assistantship includes an annual stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. The expected start date is the Fall 2025 semester.

APPLICATION: Interested candidates should email Dr. Tyler Gifford (tgiffor1@utk.edu) with (1) a short description of research interests, career goals, and past experience, (2) a resume/CV, (3) contact information for three professional references, and (4) an unofficial copy of undergraduate transcript. Candidates will be reviewed until the position is filled.