Natural Resources Job Board

The Hecke Lab in the Department of Biology and Earth Sciences at Arkansas Tech University is recruiting one student to pursue a Master of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Science (MSFWS) beginning in the spring semester of 2026 (January 5th, 2026, firm start date). Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR and located 80 miles northwest/west of Little Rock.

Etheostoma sp. cf. pulchellum 1 (Red Belly Form) and 2 (Blue Belly Form) are unique in that they are syntopic with one another in the Illinois Bayou watershed, but not elsewhere. This project aims to understand diet, microhabitat differences, and morphometrics of these two forms in the Illinois Bayou watershed, and neighboring watersheds where these species are not syntopic. Results from this study will provide much needed data to help inform management decisions to conserve these species and further add to our understanding of these species. 

The position is fully funded through a teaching assistantship ($14,000 + tuition waiver).

To learn more about the Fish and Wildlife program at Arkansas Tech University, please visit:

https://www.atu.edu/stem/bioearthsciences/fishwildlife/index.php

To learn more about the Hecke Lab, please visit: 

Minimum Qualifications - A B.S. in a fisheries or natural resources related degree and courses in fisheries management, and statistics, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required. 

Preferred Qualifications - Previous experience with standard fish-sampling techniques and analysis/modeling experience in R. Must be willing to go on sampling trips over the weekend.

To apply, please send me 1) a cover letter explaining your research interests, career goals, and relevant research/work experience, 2) cv/resume, and 3) contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered. 

Please email all materials (one pdf) to me by October 30, 2025. I will review applications as they come in and interviews will be conducted at the beginning of October and the selected student will apply for admission to the MSFWS by mid November. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about this opportunity. 

Dr. Kyler Hecke

Email: khecke@atu.edu