Master’s Degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management or Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB)

The Historical Ecology in Rangelands (HEIR) Lab at the University of Nevada Reno is recruiting a highly motivated M.S. student for a fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship for a project that examining ecosystem dynamics over time within historical rangeland seedings. The project is a collaboration between Lesley Morris and Elizabeth (Beth) Leger at UNR and the Nevada Department of Wildlife and will include significant GIS work, field studies, and/or greenhouse studies. This project will provide much needed information about the over 1.5 million acres have been seeded with forage kochia (Bassia prostrata) on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in four states (Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Nevada). Of these western states, Nevada stands alone with highest number of acres and number of seeding projects containing forage kochia, with some acreage including the taller cultivar known as “Snowstorm” kochia (Bassia prostrata spp. grisea). Beyond just a few studies, we know little about establishment and plant community interactions between forage kochia and native species over the long term in the Wyoming big sagebrush ecosystem types. The graduate student will be provided with numerous opportunities for leadership and professional development that meet the candidate’s career goals and strengths. Student can decide between a M.S. degree in either Animal and Rangeland Science (ARS) or Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB).

Location: University of Nevada, Reno

Salary and Benefits: This is a fully funded (2-year) Graduate Research Assistantship $2,000/month for 12 months ($24,000 annually) + tuition and benefits. Teaching Assistantship (TA) opportunities are extensive in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources and the EECB Program and most students TA at least once

Start Date:  January 2025

Requirements: B.S. in Rangeland Sciences, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Biology, or related degree. Ability to walk over rough terrain in all kinds of weather. US Driver’s License and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications: A love of desert ecosystems, plants, and a familiarity with GIS.