USE OF BEAVER DAM ANALOGUES TO ENHANCE STREAM AND WETLAND HABITAT IN NORTH MISSOURI PRAIRIES
Location: Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri https://snr.missouri.edu/graduate-studies/
Ideal start date: August 2023 (January 2024 also possible)
Background: This project, funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation, will experimentally assess the effects of beaver dam analogues (BDAs) as a management tool for stream and aquatic community restoration in restored prairie systems. The successful applicant will gain experience working with multiple state and federal agencies, as well as The Nature Conservancy.
Project Objectives:
1. Evaluate the effects of BDAs on lateral, longitudinal and vertical channel morphology, and in-stream habitat
2. Determine the ability of BDAs to increase floodplain connectivity through more frequent out-of-bank flows, greater spatial inundation, and increase local water table elevation
3. Evaluate effects of BDA’s on Topeka Shiner populations, aquatic species diversity and relative abundance, and fish passage
Qualifications: Master’s degree in natural resources or related field, experience sampling and identifying freshwater organisms, experience conducting stream channel morphology surveys, strong written and verbal communication abilities, ability to work effectively in a team and with agency biologists, and a passion for conservation of aquatic species. Preferred qualifications also include good organizational skills and ability to develop strong quantitative skills. This is a field intensive project and will require sampling in a variety of physically demanding conditions and leading/coordinating hourly field technicians.
Stipend: $25,000/year plus benefits and tuition waiver. Research Assistantship will be for 4 or 4.5 years, but contingent on annual funding allocations.
Closing date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received by May 15, 2023.
Contact: Inquires can be directed to Dr. Jacob Westhoff, Missouri USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri-Columbia. 573-884-8464; westhoffj@missouri.edu; Applications should be submitted by email to Dr. Westhoff and must include a letter of interest, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references.
Please see the Aquatic Diversity Lab website for more details: www.aquaticdiversity.com