Job Information

MS/PhD Assistantship-Human Dimensions, Wildlife Conservation

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Title
MS/PhD Assistantship-Human Dimensions, Wildlife Conservation
Organization
North Carolina State University
Description

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) at North Carolina State University invites applications for an MS or PhD-level research assistantship beginning in Fall 2020. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Lincoln Larson on a study evaluating college students’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife watching). Particular emphasis will be placed on the outdoor recreation recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of college students from non-traditional backgrounds. The research project is supported by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NC WRC), and it builds on the work of an ongoing U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Multistate Project that includes a team of researchers and practitioners from universities and wildlife agencies across 23 states. Results of the project will inform research and practice that impacts the future of R3 and wildlife conservation efforts across the United States.


Key Responsibilities & Opportunities:
• Research: Work with faculty advisor and agency partners to advance human dimensions of wildlife conservation theory and practice; Assist with study design, data collection, analysis, and implementation of R3 programs targeting college students.
• Writing & Communication: Assist or lead in developing academic presentations, peer-reviewed journal articles, non-technical reports, outreach materials, and other deliverables related to R3 and wildlife recreation/conservation.
• Teaching & Mentoring: Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants and serve as a teaching assistant in PRTM courses. Interact with leaders of student organizations to support campus-wide R3 efforts.
• Professional Development & Networking: Interact with partners from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, fostering professional connections and potential employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• BA or BS degree (MS for PhD applicants) in natural resource-related discipline and/or social science degree with an emphasis on natural resource management
• Desire to pursue degree in Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Biology (FWCB) or Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM) within the College of Natural Resources.
• Background or experience in quantitative (survey-based) and qualitative (interview-based) data collection and analysis
• Strong verbal and writing communication skills
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with others across multiple sectors
• Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School (found here)


Desired Qualifications:
• Strong interest in wildlife conservation values, attitudes and behaviors
• Interest in hunting/fishing (or connections between these activities and conservation)
• Passion for engaging “non-traditional” stakeholders in wildlife recreation/conservation
• Experience working for or with state or federal wildlife management agencies

Qualifications
Salary
Job Type
Full Time Entry Level
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina United States
Posted on
2020-01-23
Expires on
2020-02-24
Desired Start Date
Not provided
How to Apply
Contact Person
Dr. Lincoln Larson
Contact Phone
919-515-8947
Contact eMail
lrlarson@ncsu.edu