Natural Resources Job Board

Organization: University of Idaho – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center 

Job title: MS Graduate Research Assistantship: Virtual Herding – Sheep

Salary: $25,000/year 

Start Date: Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Location: Salmon, ID 

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until position is filled; preference will be given to applications received by August 18, 2025.

 

This position will be seated in the University of Idaho (UI) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences; however, will be based at the UI Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center (NMCREEC) near Salmon, Idaho. Research activities will be in collaboration with the USDA-ARS-US Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) near Dubois, Idaho and the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation. Applicants should be aware that although research activities associated with this position are local to NMCREEC and USSES, coursework will predominantly be completed remotely. As part of a grant funded research project, this position will be responsible for carrying out research in developing, testing, and applying novel domestic sheep-specific virtual/remote monitoring and herding technology for application in remote rangelands. The outcomes of this research will contribute to understanding sheep behavior using virtual herding tools and ultimately provide management solutions for grazing sheep on open ranges; in particular, in areas where habitat overlap conflicts may occur with wild sheep. Through this project, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a uniquely diverse, multidisciplinary project to gain skills and networks in the disciplines of range science, livestock management, agricultural technology, geospatial mapping, and wildlife habitat. Within reason, coursework and additional project objectives will be personalized to fit the student’s interests and career objectives.  The successful candidate may have the opportunity to develop and execute their own relevant research objective(s) that will complement the funded research. Professional development opportunities will include scientific design and implementation, scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals, attending and presenting at scientific and stakeholder meetings, stakeholder engagement and outreach, multidisciplinary training and networking, team leadership and management, and project coordination, among others. 

The successful candidate must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree in a related field prior to starting this position. This position will require excellent leadership and communication skills. Applicants must also have excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, a valid driver’s license, a willingness to conduct field research under rigorous and remote conditions during variable weather conditions, and a willingness to drive to and stay at field site locations. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate a passion for the livestock ranching industry, have working knowledge in grazing livestock behavior, and have experience in livestock handling, remote-sensing technologies, geographic mapping (such as ArcGIS or onX) and/or vegetation monitoring. Preference will also be given to applicants with skills in horse riding, backcountry hiking, camping, and survival. Applicants with an established history of publication and/or experience presenting research findings or to stakeholder groups will also be given preference. Experience with any of the following is also beneficial: working/living in rural areas, working on ranching/farming operations and/or as a range technician, and operating ATV/UTVs and 4WD vehicles, and towing trailers.

 

In addition to the stipend, this position offers housing in an on-site dormitory with individual sleeping area and a common living area with other graduate students or seasonal interns/technicians (successful candidate will not be required to stay in the dormitory).  

 

To apply, please send the following materials to Melinda Ellison (ellison@uidaho.edu) with “Sheep GRA” in the subject line: (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) contact information for at least 3 references. 

 

The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs.