Boise State University · Idaho · posted today
Description The Vennum Lab at Boise State University seeks a motivated graduate student to join the M.S. in Raptor Biology program and contribute to the Butte Valley Raptor Research Project, a long-term research and monitoring effort on Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) in northern California. For decades, this project has tracked known-age individuals through mark-resight and annual nest monitoring, building a multi-faceted, long-term dataset on reproductive success and demography. This foundation supports questions about life-history evolution and the conservation of this long-distance migrant. We are also working to expand the program with developing research on nestling physiology and telemetry-based movement data to examine how hawks use agricultural landscapes. Together, this growing dataset and its planned expansion open the door to interdisciplinary thesis questions spanning demography, life history, physiology, and movement ecology. The student's thesis question will be developed collaboratively, drawing on the project's existing data and research directions while leaving room for the student's own interests and ideas. Expectations for data use and authorship will be outlined in a lab mentoring agreement. The M.S. program begins in Fall 2027. There may be an opportunity to begin graduate research and on-site fieldwork earlier, around April 2027. Funding This position is supported by a Teaching Assistantship, which includes: • Tuition • Healthcare benefits • $22,000 starting annual stipend The Raptor Research Center (RRC) at Boise State has supported graduate education, research and technical assistance to researchers since 1987. Learn more about the RRC here website. Project Description The position is part of the Butte Valley Raptor Research Project, a long-term effort studying raptor ecology, movement, and habitat use in northern California. The project combines field surveys, nest monitoring, banding, and habitat data collection to support conservation and management on working landscapes. The student’s primary field duties will include searching for and monitoring nests, resighting color-banded birds, and banding nestlings. Under appropriate supervision and permits, the student may also have opportunities to climb trees and gain experience handling and banding multiple raptor species. A field vehicle and fuel are provided for project work. Fieldwork is based in Macdoel, California, in the Butte Valley region. This rural, high-elevation basin includes grasslands, agricultural fields, and views of the surrounding mountains. Students should be comfortable living in a remote area with limited urban amenities. Because much of this work takes place on both public and private lands, the student will build working relationships with landowners and represent the project professionally. The student will work with a collaborative team from Boise State University, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Avian Behavior Conservancy. The student will have opportunities to present at scientific conferences and publish their thesis research. Qualifications Applicants do not need to have experience in all of these areas to apply. We are particularly interested in students who are excited to learn new approaches, develop their skills through graduate research, and can work well with project collaborators. We especially encourage applications from first-generation college students and people from groups underrepresented in wildlife biology. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, ecology, or a related field, completed before the April 2027 start date. • Strong interest in avian ecology, population ecology, and/or demography • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team • Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in variable weather conditions, including heat, dust, and sun exposure. This position requires regular fieldwork in remote and rugged environments. • A valid driver’s license Preferred Qualifications • Experience with statistical data analysis or coding (e.g., R, Python, JavaScript) • Strong written and oral communication skills • Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research bridging demography, physiology, and conservation • A positive attitude and commitment to contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative lab environment Application Instructions Interested candidates should send the following materials to Dr. Chris Vennum at chrisvennum [at] boisestate.edu by November 13th, 2026: • Cover Letter (1 page) – Describe your research interests, relevant experience and skills (see required and preferred qualifications), and why you are interested in this project and joining the Raptor Research Center at Boise State University. • Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Please include your GPA, relevant research or field experience, and contact information for three references. • Submit all application materials in a single PDF file named: LastName_FirstName_2026_SWHA_MS.pdf Questions about the position or project are welcomed by email.
Apply on the employer's site →JobMoo watches every zoo, aquarium, wildlife, and marine source we know and emails you the roles that fit, once a day, with a real human keeping an eye on your search. Built by a dad and his daughter, and it worked: she landed the job.
Start your 7-day trial, $9/mo after