Natural Resources Job Board

Agency - Tennessee Tech University
Location – Cookeville, TN and field sites in central Oklahoma
Job Category – M.S. Graduate Assistantships (2 positions)
Salary - $22,000 per year plus tuition and fee waiver, field housing, and transportation
Start Date – January 15, 2026
Last Date to Apply – August 30, 2025
Description

We are seeking applicants for two M.S. assistantships focused on the ecology and management of resident Canada geese in Oklahoma. These positions are part of a collaborative project with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to assess resident Canada goose population dynamics and develop management strategies for Oklahoma's growing urban goose populations.

The selected students will work in collaboration with Tennessee Tech University and Oklahoma State University researchers to investigate goose ecology using cutting-edge GPS-GSM collar technology and advanced analytical methods. The project will involve capturing and GPS-tracking resident Canada geese across urban-rural gradients in Oklahoma. Both students will participate in goose capture operations during summer molting seasons and collaborate closely throughout the project.

Position 1: Movement Ecology Focus - This student will specialize in analyzing high-resolution movement data to assess space use patterns, habitat selection, and behavioral responses to hunting pressure. Research will involve deploying GPS-GSM transmitters, evaluating seasonal and annual site fidelity, and quantifying goose responses to human disturbance across urban-rural gradients.

Position 2: Population Ecology Focus - This student will specialize in developing population models that combine field data with long-term harvest and banding datasets. Research will involve estimating survival rates, recruitment, and population vital rates over time.

Students will gain extensive experience with GPS-GSM technology, advanced analytical methods in R, GIS applications, and wildlife management research.

The successful applicants will each receive a $22,000 per year stipend, tuition and fee waiver, field housing, and transportation. Students will be co-advised by Drs. Bradley Cohen and Allison Keever at Tennessee Tech University and Dr. Colter Chitwood at Oklahoma State University, with an expected start date of January 15, 2026.

Required: B.S. degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, mathematics, statistics, or related discipline; undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0; valid driver's license; ability to work in challenging field conditions including wetlands, urban environments, and variable weather; physical ability to handle large waterfowl safely.

Additional Preferred Qualifications for Movement Ecology Position: Experience with GPS/telemetry equipment; proficiency in movement analysis and GIS software; knowledge of animal behavior and habitat selection theory.

Additional Preferred Qualifications for Population Ecology Position: Experience with population modeling and statistical analysis; proficiency in R; coursework in population ecology or quantitative methods; familiarity with demographic analysis.

Preferred for Both Positions: Experience with waterfowl capture and handling; strong quantitative and analytical skills; proficiency in R; excellent written and verbal communication skills; prior fieldwork experience with wildlife; knowledge of waterfowl ecology and behavior.

To apply, submit the following documents as a single PDF to Dr. Bradley Cohen (bcohen@tntech.edu), Dr. Allison Keever (akeever@tntech.edu), and Dr. Colter Chitwood (colter.chitwood@okstate.edu) by August 30, 2025:

File naming: Lastname_GooseEcology_MSApplication.pdf
Email subject line: "Canada Goose MS Assistantship - [Movement/Population] Ecology"

The Cohen Lab is committed to increasing representation of traditionally excluded groups and fostering diversity in wildlife research. Students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.