The School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is seeking applicants for a M.S. Assistantship available beginning January 2, 2018. The assistantship is half time and carries an annual stipend of $15,000
Project: Wetlands provide many ecosystem services and functions including flood attenuation, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. As part of a multi-disciplinary research project, the student will evaluate current on-the-ground conditions of reforested wetland reserve easement stands established by the Natural Resource Conservation Service to restore these important ecosystems. The student will use existing or develop a variety of rapid assessment techniques including tree- and stand-health indices to determine how well those ecosystems meet desired ecological conditions and functions. Student=92s thesis may focus on compositional diversity and effect of invasive species within these stands, compare structural heterogeneity and complexity among various watersheds, or focus on development of a silvicultural decision-support system for managing these stands. This is an opportunity to work closely with representatives from multiple conservation agencies to develop and refine management recommendations and assessment tools (including development of field guides) for our restored bottomland hardwood forests.
Requirements: Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources-related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver=92s license or obtain the same within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Location and Facilities: The School of Forestry & Natural Resources is located in Monticello, Arkansas in the southeastern portion of the state. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is also headquartered here, and is administered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is the research and extension arm for forest-based programs within the State. Additionally, the USFS Arkansas Forestry Sciences Lab is located at the School. The School and Center maintain several state-of-the-art laboratories (hydrology, soil, quantitative analysis, silviculture, wildlife ecology & management) available for graduate research and education.
Application & Additional Information: Graduate program and application information can be found at http://www.uamont.edu/sfnr. Applicants must be admitted to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and apply to the School of Forestry & Natural Resources before they can be considered for an assistantship. Applicants must submit all GRE scores, official transcripts, a statement of interests, and three letters of recommendation. Please indicate the position number above on all application materials and inquiries. For additional information, please contact:
Mohammad Bataineh
Phone: (870) 460-1449
Email: Bataineh@uamont.edu<mailto:Bataineh@uamont.edu>