Master’s Student Positions: Native Plant Initiative

Two Master’s Student Positions Available with the Native Plant Initiative at South Dakota State University.

– One MS student position is available to participate in a BLM-funded project examining storage, stratification, and germination requirements for native plants used in restoration.

– One MS student position is available to participate in a USDA-funded project examining monarch preference and establishment protocols for native milkweed species.

Candidates may start in Jan. 2022 (although earlier dates are possible).  Laboratory and Field work will occur at South Dakota State University main campus in Brookings, SD.  The Native Plant Initiative stives to create a lab culture that promotes community, inclusivity, diversity, equity, mental well-being, and work-life balance.

Required qualifications: a BS/BA is Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources or related field by December 2021 and enthusiasm for native plants and/or restoration ecology.

The Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University combines Range, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology within the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. The graduate program strongly emphasizes conservation and wise-use of natural resources. SDState is the Land Grant University for the state and has approximately 13,000 students. SDState is located in Brookings, SD approximately one hour north of Sioux Falls and four hours east of the Twin Cities, and offers a friendly, small, college-town atmosphere.

To apply, send a single PDF with (1) CV; (2) a letter describing how you meet the required qualifications, your research interests, and your ultimate dream career goals; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references to Lora Perkins (lora.perkins@sdstate.edu).  Formal application to the university only needs to be made after selection of the successful candidate. Application deadline is 1 November 2021.