Employment Opportunities

PhD Graduate Assistantship, Avian Community and Population Responses to Northern Bobwhite Management- Tarleton State University

Application Deadline: 06/30/2025
Education Required: Masters
Start fall 2025
Stipend approx. $30,000/year and tuition waiver

Dr. Heather Mathewson (Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources, Tarleton State University, Stephenville TX) and Dr. Brad Kubecka (Tall Timbers) are seeking an ambitious and motivated student to contribute to a collaborative research project on population restoration of northern bobwhite following pine savanna restoration in the Pineywoods of Texas.

The research will be primarily quantitative analyses of temporal and spatial trends of species of conservation concern, with a focus on northern bobwhite, using acoustic monitoring and other available data. The student will take advantage of pre-existing data sets (e.g., burn units, telemetry, ARU, timber, point counts, etc.) collected as part of Tall Timbers Western Pineywoods Quail Program which has overseen population recovery of northern bobwhite via habitat restoration (e.g., timber thinning, prescribed fire) and translocation to the study site since 2023. The PhD student will be responsible for developing their own specific research topics which need to generally be centered around the population restoration of northern bobwhite and-or broader avian community as it relates to habitat management of bobwhite.

This position starts in August 2025 in the Animal and Natural Resources Ph.D. graduate program at Tarleton State University’s main campus (Stephenville, TX). There are no online options available for these positions; all course instruction and research are in-person. This is a full-time, 12-month position for at least a 3-year contracted period. Students will receive an annual stipend with tuition waived. The program requires 45 credit hours of courses, serving as the instructor of a 3-credit undergraduate course each semester, presentations at professional conferences, mentorship of undergraduate or MS students, development of future research initiatives, grant writing, early publication of peer-reviewed publications, preliminary and comprehensive exams, and production of a dissertation.

Qualifications: MS in wildlife and natural resources, biology, or closely related field; production of a research thesis, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Strong data management and quantitative skills required (R statistical software preferred), ideally with knowledge of acoustic monitoring and population and-or community modeling. Demonstration of strong verbal and written communication; leadership experience; ability to work independently and as a productive collaborator with a research team; ability to drive long distances and in the dark (current US driver’s license required); and ability to work under adverse field conditions. Prior bird handing experience preferred but not required. GRE is not required.

To apply for this position or for more information, contact Dr. Heather Mathewson (mathewson@tarleton.edu). We expect to fill this position by early June 2025; do not delay on submission of application materials. To apply please include (1) a cover letter describing your research interests, career goals, reason for applying, and highlighting your relevant experience; (2) CV, not limited to any number of pages; (3) email contact information for 3 references, (4) unofficial transcripts, and (5) an independently produced writing sample (thesis chapter, publication).

Contact Heather Mathewson at mathewson@tarleton.edu (preferred contact method)

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Background: Tall Timbers, in collaboration with the University of Missouri and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to develop state-and-transition models that incorporate plant community flammability for eastern US forests. The incumbent will focus on priority ecosystems and work with a team including researchers with expertise in fire regimes and forest ecology. The position is funded for 18 months, with additional support possible beyond that based on performance and funding availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The successful candidate will lead efforts on quantifying community flammability using species-specific data. The candidate will primarily be responsible for collecting, measuring, analyzing and modeling data and writing manuscripts. The position may include administration, other field activities, supervision of technician(s) and intern(s), data management, and analysis. Collaboration with Tall Timbers research and management staff, University of Missouri research staff, and NRCS staff are critical for the success of the project.

Minimum Qualifications: A completed Ph.D. degree (ABD- all but dissertation- acceptable) in either forestry, plant ecology, plant physiology, geospatial analysis, fire behavior, climatology, or a related field. Candidate should be highly motivated with the ability to work independently. The successful candidate should have skills in two or more of the following: statistical analyses, vegetation analyses, measuring field and laboratory fire behavior, micrometeorology, geospatial analysis, and scientific writing. Valid state driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in aforementioned fields of study. The candidate should have experience designing and implementing laboratory experiments, as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed outlets. A strong understanding of fire and forest ecology of eastern US fire-prone ecosystems or similar is preferred, though not required. Experience with multivariate statistical analyses and familiarity with state-and-transition models is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Ability to perform routine office, field, and some laboratory work and fieldwork in inclement weather under strenuous conditions.

Workplace Environment and Commitment to Diversity: Tall Timbers is committed as equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities of the region.

Instructions for Applying: Applications should include (in a single PDF): 1) a letter of interest that includes educational and experiential preparation and 2) a current CV. All applications should be emailed to Dr. Morgan Varner (mvarner@talltimbers.org).

Contacts: J. Morgan Varner, Director of Research & Senior Scientist

Contact Email: mvarner@talltimbers.org

Applications Reviewed: February 1st, 2025 or until a suitable candidate can be found

Position Start Date: Winter/Spring 2025 (negotiable)

Salary: $62,500 (negotiable if housing needed)

Work Location: The position will ideally be based at the main campus of Tall Timbers in Tallahassee, Florida (www.talltimbers.org) or can be a remote post for the right candidate. Tallahassee is a vibrant community in the Red Hills region, notable for its education (Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College), conservation and recreation opportunities, and is the state capital of Florida.

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Research Technician – Quail Trapping, Radio Tagging, and Telemetry

Area of Specialization:
Wildlife Conservation – Quail Management

Background:
Tall Timbers Research Station is seeking a Research Technician to join our team on an intensively managed wild quail property in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. This role will focus on trapping quail, radio tagging, and using telemetry to track wild quail. The successful candidate will also contribute to habitat management, operating equipment for prescribed burning, plowing, and mowing, as well as conducting surveys. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife research and habitat restoration on a property renowned for its rapidly growing bird dog program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Quail Trapping and Tagging:
  • Set up and monitor traps for capturing quail.
  • Handle and process quail for radio tagging, ensuring humane treatment.
• Telemetry and Tracking:
  • Use telemetry equipment to monitor the movements and behaviors of radio-tagged quail.
  • Collect, record, and analyze data accurately.
• Land and Habitat Management:
  • Operate equipment for prescribed burning, plowing, and mowing to manage quail habitats.
  • Conduct surveys to monitor vegetation, quail populations, and other wildlife.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
  • Organize and analyze field data.
  • Prepare reports and contribute to research publications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in various field conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with wildlife trapping, handling, and telemetry.
• Knowledge of prescribed burning techniques and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in operating field equipment such as GPS units and telemetry receivers.
• Degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field.
• Previous experience with wildlife research, particularly with quail or similar species.
• Familiarity with habitat management practices and data analysis.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Capability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including early mornings and weekends as needed.

Benefits: 

Tall Timbers provides a package of standard benefits including health care, dental care, life insurance, voluntary tax sheltered 403(b) plan, and medical flexible spending account.  These benefits are subject to employee contributions according to Tall Timbers’ policy. 

Vacation and sick leave:  

Upon hire, a full-time employee accrues 0.83 days per month of annual and sick leave. Accrued leave may be used following the 90-day probationary period. 5 days of leave is available in your first year (2024), following your 90-day probationary period, then employees accrue 10 days of annual leave for calendar year two, then 15 days in calendar years three and four, followed by 20 days at years five and up.

Paid holidays: 

Tall Timbers provides 10 paid holidays per year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, Memorial Day, July4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving holidays (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Workplace Environment and Commitments to Diversity:
Tall Timbers is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer and rejects racism, prejudice, discrimination, or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those that add to and engage the local communities.

Contact:
Paul Grimes, DPGrimes@talltimbers.org; 706-825-0451
Position Start Date:
September 30, 2024
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time
Duration:
Minimum 3 years
Salary:
$15 per hour plus overtime opportunity
Work Location:
Based out of Williamsburg County, South Carolina

How to Apply:
Please email a single PDF to Paul Grimes that includes (1) a cover letter that explains your interest in the position, relevant skills, and experience, (2) an up-to-date resume, and (3) at least three professional references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position will be filled as the appropriate candidate is found.

About Tall Timbers:
Tall Timbers Research Station, founded in 1958, focuses on fire ecology, vertebrate ecology, and Northern bobwhite ecology. Our research supports next-generation fire management needs and wildlife conservation. For more information, visit https://talltimbers.org/

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