Using virtual fencing to manage cattle grazing distribution for Northern Bobwhite habitat improvement on working rangelands
Project Description:
We are recruiting one Ph.D. student to conduct research which aims to evaluate the use of virtual fencing as a tool for targeted grazing management to improve quail habitat on working rangelands. The successful candidate will integrate ruminant nutrition, precision livestock management, rangeland ecology, and wildlife habitat management.
The project offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of animal science, precision livestock management, rangeland ecology, and wildlife conservation. This research will evaluate how virtual fencing can be used to strategically influence cattle distribution and grazing intensity to create vegetation conditions that benefit northern bobwhite quail while maintaining productive cattle operations.
This position involves collaboration with faculty from ASVT and CKWRI, with the degree conferred through the Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct fieldwork to meet project objectives
- Data management
- Apply statistical analysis to data sets
- Collaborate with private land owners and agency personnel
- Present research findings at conferences, in public forums, and via peer-reviewed journal articles
Qualifications Required:
- M.S. in animal science, range science, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related discipline
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Demonstrated experience with statistical software (e.g., SAS)
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, writing)
- Ability to conduct fieldwork in hot and humid conditions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated cattle handling experience
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
Stipend/Salary:
$2,500/month stipend plus benefits (medical package available after completion of waiting period) and full tuition waiver (nonresident tuition waived-resident tuition fees apply but will be reimbursed to ensure a full tuition waiver).
Start Date:
Application Deadline:
We will begin reviewing applications on 1 August 2026 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
To Apply: Submit an application packet as a single PDF including: (1) one-page letter of interest, (2) CV or resume, (3) unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and (4) contact information for two professional references to Dr. Natasha L. Mast (natasha.mast@tamuk.edu).
For questions regarding this position:
Dr. Natasha L. Mast
Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Email: natasha.mast@tamuk.edu
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.
EEO/AA/ADA