Description

One Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship is anticipated at South Dakota State University in the Department of Natural Resource Management beginning on or before January 2027 (flexible), contingent on candidate availability. This position will support a collaborative research project with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) to quantify the ecological value of small wetlands embedded in agricultural landscapes of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). Small wetlands comprise the majority of basins in the PPR and are central to conservation investments through programs, but key uncertainties remain regarding their hydrology, disturbance, and functional importance to waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species. The successful candidate will serve as the primary coordinating scientist for an integrated research program that combines long-term datasets (e.g., Four Square Mile Waterfowl Breeding Survey), high-resolution remote sensing, and targeted field validation to address management-relevant questions at landscape to regional scales.

The student will work closely with USFWS HAPET scientists and other partners to develop reproducible analytical workflows, conduct spatial and statistical modeling, and contribute to decision-support tools that inform wetland conservation prioritization. The position will include both computational and field components, including validation of remote sensing products and coordination of field data collection across the PPR.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Applicants should have an M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, wetland ecology, natural resources, geospatial sciences, environmental science, or a closely related field. Exceptional candidates with a B.S. and strong quantitative skills may be considered.

 Competitive candidates will demonstrate:

1)      Background in wetland, waterfowl, or landscape ecology, emphasizing agrarian systems.

2)      Experience with geospatial data analysis (e.g., GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR, etc.).

3)      Quantitative skills (e.g., statistical modeling, programming in R or similar platforms).

4)      Ability to manage and integrate large, complex datasets.

5)      Experience or interest in applying machine learning or computer vision approaches.

6)      Capacity to coordinate fieldwork across large spatial extents.

The position will involve interaction with federal and state agencies, NGOs, and private landowners; professionalism, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively and coordinate with diverse partners are essential.

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a single PDF containing:

1. Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.

2. Curriculum Vitae.

3. Contact information for at least three references.

Unofficial transcripts (and GRE scores, if available) may be included or requested later.

Send application materials and inquiries to: Dr. Joshua D. Stafford (joshua.stafford@sdstate.edu). Review of applications will begin 15 July 2026 and continue until the position is filled.