Urban Trees, Community Greening, and Watershed Restoration

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to join a project at the intersection of restoration ecology, urban forestry, and geospatial science. This project will enhance regional ecological health and support long-term improvements in water quality. The chosen graduate student will conduct research on watershed restoration in South Texas, aiming to expand tree canopy cover through coordinated tree-planting efforts and community education to strengthen watershed protection. Project objectives include: 1) Conducting comprehensive surveys of woody vegetation in watersheds to identify priority areas for restoration; 2) Integrating strategic tree planting to improve watershed function, habitat quality, and water resilience. This opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on both the environment and local communities while developing expertise in applied research on urban forestry, ecological restoration, and geospatial analysis. The successful candidate will pursue an M.S. degree in Range and Wildlife Management with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Additional duties include publishing research results, presenting at professional conferences, assisting with other projects, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required

•    B.S. in Forestry, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, Rangelands, Biology, Geography, Geographic Information Science (GIS), or a closely related field.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
•    Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills.
•    Strong work ethic, ability to work independently, and as a productive member of a research team.

PREFERRED Qualifications

•    Background in plant identification, and experience in basic field ecology and surveying vegetation.
•    Experience with geospatial technologies, including GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
•    Familiarity with geospatial data (climate, vegetation, soil), remote sensing data products.
•    Ability and willingness to drive a vehicle and lead a field survey in difficult terrain/weather.

Stipend/Salary

$2,000/month plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period). Nonresident tuition is waived (resident tuition and fees apply). Partial resident tuition fee assistance may be provided based on the availability of funds.

Start Date

January 2027

application deadline

The position is open and will remain open until an appropriate candidate is selected.

TO APPLY

Application packet should consist of 1) cover letter outlining research interests (2-3 pages max); 2) Current CV; 3) two publications or writing samples; 4) unofficial undergraduate transcripts; and 5) contact information of three professional references as a single PDF file titled: CKWRI-UTCGWR-2026-[LastName_Firstname].pdf and use ‘CKWRI-UTCGWR-2026’ as subject line for the email to Dr. Weimin Xi (weimin.xi@tamuk.edu).

For questions regarding this position

Dr. Weimin Xi, Professor, Frances and Peter Swenson Endowed Chair in Rangeland Restoration Ecology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Email: weimin.xi@tamuk.edu; Research Lab: https://drxilab.netlify.app/

Texas law requires that males 18 through 25 show proof of compliance with Federal Selective Service law in order to be eligible for employment. Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation to be hired for this position.
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