Assessment of strategies to accelerate recovery of Masked Bobwhite Quail
Position Description
We are recruiting one MS student to conduct research which aims to assess strategies that can be used to accelerate the recovery of Masked Bobwhite, a critically endangered subspecies of the Northern Bobwhite. Previous efforts to recover Masked Bobwhite have focused on Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, southern Arizona and have considered a variety of reintroduction techniques. Despite these efforts, a wild, self-sustaining population has not been achieved. To restore this iconic game bird this project will expand on previous efforts via an in situ captive study that aims to test approaches that lead to successful production and recruitment of Masked Bobwhite. It will also assess conditioning strategies (e.g., exposure to predator models) that promote survival and identify genetic markers linked to successful breeding and recruitment in this imperiled species. The project will combine field- and lab-based work to address these goals. The project is funded through the US Fish and Wildlife Service and students will be co-supervised by Dr. Jennifer Smith and Dr. Randy DeYoung.
key responsibilities
• Conduct fieldwork to meet project objectives, to include (1) monitoring breeding attempts and survival of Masked Bobwhite, and (2) assessing behavioral responses to conditioning approaches in experimental enclosures in the field,
• Conduct lab work to assess genetic markers linked to successful breeding and recruitment
• Manage field technicians during fieldwork
• Data management
• Apply statistical analysis used in assessments of e.g., habitat selection, migratory/dispersal decisions, space use
• Liaise and collaborate with private landowners and agency personnel
• Present research findings at conferences, in public forums, and via peer-reviewed journal articles
Qualifications Required
• B.S. in ecology, 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., Program R) and GIS
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, writing)
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in hot conditions
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated involvement in trapping, handling, and banding birds
• Experience with lab work
• Experience with communicating with diverse stakeholders including members of government agencies, land managers, and members of the public
Stipend/Salary
$2,000/month assistantship 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
January 2027 is highly preferred, but we will also consider applicants for Summer 2027.
Application Deadline
We will begin reviewing applications on November 11, 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. Jennifer Smith (jennifer.smith@tamuk.edu).
For questions regarding this position:
Dr. Jennifer Smith
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Email: jennifer.smith@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.
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