Graduate Assistantship, Annis Water Resources Institute Grand Valley State University

Muskegon, MI

Position Title: Graduate Assistantship

Organization: Annis Water Resources Institute Grand Valley State University

Location: Muskegon, MI

Position Overview: We are recruiting two graduate students (M.S. in Biology, Aquatic Science emphasis) to begin January or May 2025 to contribute to a project validating lake sturgeon habitat suitability indices to enhance conservation efforts. The students will work closely with Drs. Carl Ruetz and Sean Woznicki at the GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute (Muskegon, Michigan) and collaborate with scientists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The first position (Stream Modeling GA), beginning January 2025, will focus on mapping and modeling in-stream habitat using a combination of in-stream surveys, side-scan sonar, and hydraulic and watershed modeling. The second position (Fish Ecology GA), beginning May 2025, will focus on identifying habitat preferences of juvenile lake sturgeon using visual surveys and telemetry. The students will work closely together and as part of a larger team, so collaborative skills are crucial. Both assistantships are fully-funded (annual stipend and tuition) for two years.

Qualifications:Stream Modeling GA: (1) bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field; (2) background and/or coursework using quantitative and computational methods related to the project (e.g., hydrological modeling, spatial analysis and modeling, statistics); (3) valid US driver’s license. Please contact Dr. Sean Woznicki (woznicse@gvsu.edu) for more information.

Fish Ecology GA: (1) bachelor’s degree in fisheries and aquatic sciences, biology, or related field; (2) background and/or coursework in fisheries ecology and management, river ecology, and statistics; (3) valid US driver’s license. Preference will be given to candidates with strong quantitative skills, experience related to radio telemetry (including surgically implanting tags in fish), and trailering and operating boats with outboard engines. Please contact Dr. Carl Ruetz (ruetzc@gvsu.edu) for more information.

For more information on the GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon, Michigan, please visit www.gvsu.edu/wri.

Start/End Dates: January or May 2025

How to Apply: Email your CV, copy of transcripts, and 1-page essay on your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree to Dr. Sean Woznicki (Stream Modeling GA) or Dr. Carl Ruetz (Fish Ecology GA).