Drs. Kelsey McCune and Allie McCreary at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (https://cfwe.auburn.edu/) at Auburn University are seeking qualified candidates committed to pursuing a Master of Science (MS, in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, or Wildlife Management). The successful applicant will primarily assist Drs. McCune and McCreary with a two-year study focusing on the human dimensions of wildfire impact on avian ecosystem services and public outreach.

This interdisciplinary research aims to explore how human activities, such as food supplementation (e.g., backyard bird feeding), influence the behavior of Clark’s nutcrackers and their role in the regeneration of white bark pine forests affected by severe wildfires in British Columbia, Canada. The applicant will also work with Drs. Jeffrey Katz (Auburn University) and Dr. Debbie Kelly (University of Manitoba) to integrate movement ecology and animal cognition with human dimensions findings and to develop sustainable conservation strategies. The candidate will collaborate closely with Dr. Kelly on aspects of the project related to field work in Canada.

This project is funded by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, a Canadian funding program that supports high-risk, high-reward, interdisciplinary research and is committed to fostering applicants that may need accessibility or other accommodations and to creating an inclusive and diverse academic environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, individuals with mobility challenges, first-generation college students, and others who bring diverse perspectives to our research team. We strive to create a supportive and accessible environment for all team members.

Responsibilities:

· Conduct literature reviews.

· Organize project files and datasets.

· A willingness to collaboratively generate data for the project, which will include one or more of the following:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data (e.g., survey responses, demographic data).

• Gather, analyze, and interpret qualitative data (e.g., interviews, observational data).

• Conduct field work such as monitoring bird behavior.

· Collaborate with professionals from international institutions and diverse, interdisciplinary backgrounds including supervising undergraduates and field assistants.

· Share findings with academic and non-academic audiences through papers or presentations.

· Travel from campus (Auburn, Alabama) to field sites in British Columbia.

Minimum Qualifications

· Candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to starting, preferably in a related field such as Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management, Conservation Social Science, Parks & Recreation Management, Biology, Animal Behavior, Wildlife, Ecology, Environmental Studies, or similar programs.

· Demonstrate excellent communication skills in oral and written English.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team and demonstrate cultural sensitivity in groups with people from different backgrounds.

· Prior experience in research or evaluation, including scientific writing, data collection, and data analysis, is desired.

· Willingness to participate in field-based research in remote areas and previous experiences working or traveling in rugged/remote areas (e.g., backcountry camping).

· Meet admission standards for the Auburn University Graduate School (https://graduate.auburn.edu/).

Compensation: $22,000 per year, plus tuition remission and benefits. Supplemental fellowships may be available.

How to Apply: Interested individuals should contact Drs. Kelsey McCune (kbm0054@auburn.edu) and Allie McCreary (aem0200@auburn.edu) with any questions and to apply. To apply, please send a single email to both Drs. McCune and McCreary and state “Human Dimensions MS Assistantship” in the email subject line. Include a single PDF document with the following:

· Current resume or CV,

· Statement of interest (maximum 2 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, that includes: (1) how you meet the qualifications for the position; (2) how your experiences have prepared you to take on the listed responsibilities; and (3) why you are interested in this research project),

· TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)

· Unofficial transcripts, and

· The names and email addresses of three professional references.

Key Dates: Applications are due by May 15, but you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible because applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. A start date of August 1, 2025, is expected and the person selected for this assistantship will be supported for two academic years (through May 2027), based on annual evaluations.

The Urban Forestry Lab at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University is looking for a competitive applicant for a MS student assistantship in urban forestry. The student will study novel techniques for developing accurate and efficient urban forest inventories in the state of Alabama. With the use of a terrestrial laser scanner the student will laser scan urban trees to collect point clouds that will be used to inventory trees of different species and functional traits.

Responsibilities:

​ The student will serve as research assistant during spring, fall and summer semesters. More specifically, the student will collect data using a terrestrial laser scanner, they will analyze the data using scientific softwareand statistical methods, they will write scientific articles and they will present their work at professional meetings and conferences. The student is also expected to take graduate-level courses related to the research topic (e.g., statistics, programming, remote sensing, tree biology etc.). Finally, the student can participate in extension programs and extension publications related to pressing topics in urban forestry.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science degree in forestry, remote sensing, ecology, or a relevant field.

· Good understanding of statistical methods applied in forestry demonstrated by previous coursework etc.

· Good programming skills in R, Python, Matlab etc.

· Good understanding of remote sensing techniques demonstrated by previous coursework.

· Good writing skills demonstrated by previous writing samples.

· Good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with other professionals.

· A competitive GPA that shows the ability to work hard in graduate and undergraduate levels.

· Professionalism, dedication to academic excellence and willingness to learn new scientific methods and techniques.

· USA driver’s license (or ability to obtain it during the first semester of the program).

· Only for international applicants: English Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)

To apply, please email the following combined as a single PDF to gza0041@auburn.edu.

· A 1-2 page resume.

· A 1-2 page personal statement that explains why you are interested in this position, how your previous academic accomplishments align with the position and your vision for a Master’s degree in Urban Forestry.

· Bachelor’s transcripts (or previous Master’s transcripts if available). Scanned copies will be accepted but official ones are needed for the formal application to Auburn University.

· Names and emails of three references. Reference letters will only be requested after an applicant is interviewed.

· Applicants that will successfully complete the first round of review will be invited to an online interview.

· Apply as soon as possible.

Contact Person: Dr. Georgios Arseniou

Contact Email: gza0041@auburn.edu

Additional Information

International students are asked to have all application materials submitted to Auburn University a minimum of 90 days before the term they wish to begin. This gives them enough time for all the immigration processes. They must be at Auburn University by the first day of classes. Domestic students are asked to have all application material submitted a minimum of 45 days before the term they wish to begin.

The Urban Forestry Lab at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University is looking for a competitive applicant for a MS student assistantship in urban forestry. The student will study sociological factors in urban forestry, focusing on the challenges and barriers that municipalities face in tree planting projects. The student will develop surveys and will conduct interviews with community leaders in different municipalities in Alabama to answer research questions.

Responsibilities:

The student will serve as a research assistant during spring, fall and summer semesters. More specifically, the student will collect data using different survey methods, they will analyze the data using scientific software and statistical methods, write scientific articles and present their work at professional meetings and conferences. The student is also expected to take graduate-level courses related to the research topic (e.g., statistics, urban forestry, sociological studies etc.). Finally, the student can participate in extension programs and extension publications related to pressing topics in urban forestry.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science degree in forestry, sociology, economics or another related field.

· Good understanding of statistical methods applied in forestry demonstrated by previous coursework etc.

· Good programming skills in R etc.

· Good understanding of methods used in sociological sciences.

· Good writing skills demonstrated by previous writing samples.

· Good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with other professionals.

· A competitive GPA that shows the ability to work hard in graduate and undergraduate levels.

· Professionalism, dedication to academic excellence and willingness to learn new scientific methods and techniques.

· USA driver’s license (or ability to obtain it during the first semester of the program).

· Only for international applicants: English Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)

To apply, please email the following combined as a single PDF to gza0041@auburn.edu.

· A 1-2 page resume.

· A 1-2 page personal statement that explains why you are interested in this position, how your previous academic accomplishments align with the position and your vision for a Master’s degree in Urban Forestry.

· Bachelor’s transcripts (or previous Master’s transcripts if available). Scanned copies will be accepted but official ones are needed for the formal application to Auburn University.

· Names and emails of three references. Reference letters will only be requested after an applicant is interviewed.

· Applicants that will successfully complete the first round of review will be invited to an online interview.

· Apply as soon as possible.

Contact Person: Dr. Georgios Arseniou

Contact Email: gza0041@auburn.edu

Additional Information

International students are asked to have all application materials submitted to Auburn University a minimum of 90 days before the term they wish to begin. This gives them enough time for all the immigration processes. They must be at Auburn University by the first day of classes. Domestic students are asked to have all application material submitted a minimum of 45 days before the term they wish to begin.

A Master of Science (M.S.) Research Assistantship is available in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment (CFWE) at Auburn University. This research assistantship focuses on evaluating alternative silvicultural regimes for southern pine plantations to address the evolving land management objectives of regional non-industrial forest landowners.

Project Objectives Related to the Forestry Industry:

1)  The project will employ simulation modeling (e.g., FVS model), big data, and other appropriate methodologies to compare novel silviculture regimes.

2) Assist with establishing long-term pine silviculture-genetics field trials in Alabama, conduct early observations, and synthesize information derived from various silviculture experiments conducted in the southeastern United States.

3) The student will receive mentorship from a team of scientists at the CFWE (Drs. Ajay Sharma, Hao Chen, Chen Ding, and Annakay Abrahams) and may have opportunities to collaborate closely with forest industry professionals, family forestland owners, and regional forestry cooperatives.

Minimum Qualifications

· Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry or a related discipline.

· Strong quantitative skills and knowledge of forest stand dynamics.

· Candidate is expected to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals promptly.

· Present research findings at professional conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

· Prior experience with forest growth and yield modeling (e.g., FVS), big data analytics, statistical analysis (R/Python), experimental design, GIS applications, genetics, and data management is preferred.

· Applicants should demonstrate strong oral and written communication abilities.

To apply, please submit (email) the following as a single PDF to Dr. Ajay Sharma (sharma@auburn.edu) and Dr. Hao Chen (hzc0134@auburn.edu).

· Personal statement of research interest and career goals

· Resume or curriculum vitae

· Transcripts

· Contact information for three references

Financial support for two years is available starting in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026, including an annual stipend of $22,600 and tuition support. The review of applications will commence on March 30, 2025, and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Ajay Sharma at sharma@auburn.edu.

Poultry and forestry contribute $43 billion annually to Alabama’s economy, with most of the 210,000 poultry and forestry-related jobs in rural areas of the state. This project aims to advance rural Alabama by leveraging and applying modern technology to these two industries. Our focus will be on the forestry industry by partnering with stakeholders to learn about key issues/challenges and develop technology solutions to improve the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Project Objectives Related to the Forestry Industry:

1) Develop technology solutions and market intelligence that will help landowners, loggers, and timber processors improve their competitiveness and sustainability.

2) Promote technologies that will advance the timber industry.

3) Predict and protect against cyber-physical vulnerabilities in the timber industry.

4) Facilitate the development of new case studies that provide a vision for new opportunities in the forestry industry in Alabama and the rural South.

Minimum Qualifications

· Applicants must possess a PhD in forestry.

· Self-motivated with a solid background in forest operations.

· Willing to conduct fieldwork and travel to remote research sites.

· Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license by the start date

· Candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

· Familiarity with the forest industry in the United States (loggers, foresters, timber buyers, mills, transportation, etc).

Applications should be received by March 31, 2025. We anticipate a start date of May 1, 2025. The contract will last 12 months and is contingent on extension upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.  Applicants must complete the online application at this link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/50808, including a letter of interest, Curriculum vitae, names and full contact information of at least three professional references and official transcripts (transcript should show conferral of Doctorate and date of conferral).

A Master of Science Research Assistantship is available with Dr. Ajay Sharma (Assistant Professor of Silviculture in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at Auburn University) and Dr. Joshua Puhlick (Silviculturist, Ecological Silviculture Lab, The Jones Center at Ichauway) on research to inform management that will occur during second entries into longleaf pine stands with different types of selection cutting.

Fieldwork will mainly include:

1. Measuring stand attributes that influence tree regeneration outcomes

2. Coring trees to evaluate growth response to timber harvesting and natural disturbances

Fieldwork will be conducted primarily at The Jones Center at Ichauway, a 28,500-acre research site in southwestern Georgia. Additional work on related aspects of the research may be conducted in Auburn or other parts of the Southeast.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry or a related field.

· Strong desire to work in the field and laboratory.

· Expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

· Present at professional conferences.

Desired Qualifications

· Previous experience with research, data analysis using statistical software and data management skills.

· Must also possess a valid driver’s license.

To apply, please submit the following to Dr. Ajay Sharma (sharma@auburn.edu) and Dr. Joshua Puhlick (joshua.puhlick@jonesctr.org):

1. Personal statement of research interests and career goals
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. Transcripts
4. Contact information for three references

Financial support is available for two years, starting in the fall of 2025, and includes a stipend ($22,600 per year) and tuition support. On-site housing will be provided while the student is conducting fieldwork at Ichauway.

The Collaborative Conservation & Adaptation Planning Lab at Auburn University is seeking a motivated master’s student to contribute to a research project examining the challenges related to localization efforts within the international conservation and development context.

The student will be responsible for:

1. Conducting literature reviews.

2. Conducting qualitative research (interviews, focus groups, ethnographic fieldwork) on sustainable international development programs and localization efforts.

3. Work with local NGOs and communities to coordinate data collection using both remote and in-person interview strategies.

4. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data related to sustainable livelihoods, environmental security, economic alternatives, and localization in Mexico/Latin America.

5. Share findings through academic publications and conference presentations.

Required Qualifications

· Completed an undergraduate degree in Conservation Social Science, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Environmental Sociology, Parks, Recreation, Tourism Management, or a related field prior to starting.

· Experience with or interest in qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation).

· Strong analytical and writing skills.

· Interest in sustainable development, environmental justice, and localization.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international research settings.

· Potential candidates for this position must meet admission standards and be accepted into the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment MS program More information can be found here.

· Candidates must also meet general (minimum) admission requirements for the Auburn University Graduate School, as outlined here.

Desired Qualifications

· Experience working in Mexico, Latin America, or on development projects in rural natural resource-dependent communities.

· Knowledge of Spanish (fluency highly preferred).

· Background in NGO work, environmental security, or rural economies research.

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Matthew Jurjonas at mdj0048@auburn.edu with any questions and to apply. To apply, please state “Conservation & Development Localization MS Assistantship” in the email subject line and include a single PDF document with the following:

1. A Statement of Interest/Personal Statement detailing research interests and relevant experience

2. A CV/Resume

3. TOFEL or IELTS scores (if applicable) and GRE scores (if available)

4. Unofficial transcripts

5. A Writing Sample (e.g., thesis chapter, research paper, or report)

6. The names and email addresses of three professional references

Application Deadline: Review of Applications will begin on March 7th, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

TES Research Technician – Feral Hogs

Learn more and apply online.