University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Nebraska · posted today
Benefits · Subsidized individual student health insurance, subject to university eligibility requirements · Workers’ compensation and applicable payroll coverage · Support for project-related travel and fieldwork · Access to university research resources and infrastructure Position Description The McMillan Lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a motivated M.S. student to join a collaborative research project evaluating grazing and herbicide-based restoration strategies in Nebraska’s eastern saline wetlands. The student will be based in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and mentored by Dr. Nic McMillan. Eastern Nebraska’s saline wetlands support distinctive plant communities and provide habitat for a variety of wetland-associated wildlife. However, many of these wetlands have been degraded by invasive vegetation, altered disturbance regimes, hydrologic changes, and surrounding land use. Land managers need practical strategies that reduce invasive vegetation, promote native wetland plants, and create heterogeneous vegetation conditions across these landscapes to support both game and non-game wildlife species. The broader project will evaluate the effects of focal grazing, targeted herbicide application, and the combination of grazing and herbicide on plant community composition, vegetation structure, habitat heterogeneity, and cattle use of saline-wetland landscapes. The project is intended to connect fundamental questions about herbivory and vegetation heterogeneity with the applied restoration and management needs of conservation partners in Nebraska, which include: the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District (NRD), the City of Lincoln, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, among others. The student will develop an M.S. thesis within the broader objectives of the funded project. Potential thesis directions include plant community responses to restoration treatments, changes in vegetation structure and heterogeneity, cattle distribution within saline-wetland landscapes, relationships between livestock use and vegetation conditions, or interactions between grazing and invasive-plant management. The specific thesis questions will be developed collaboratively based on project needs, the student’s interests, and the suitability of the resulting data. Field research will be conducted in eastern Nebraska saline wetlands in collaboration with conservation professionals, land managers, agency personnel, and other project partners. The work will integrate field-based vegetation measurements with information on livestock distribution and management treatments. GPS collars and virtual-fencing technology may be used to monitor and manage cattle distribution within focal treatment areas. Primary Responsibilities · Conduct field sampling of plant species composition, vegetation structure, and related habitat characteristics in eastern Nebraska saline wetlands · Assist with the implementation and documentation of grazing and herbicide treatments · Assist with the deployment (i.e., animal fitting), maintenance, and retrieval of GPS collars and virtual-fencing equipment used to monitor and manage cattle distribution · Monitor field treatments and equipment during the growing season · Organize, document, and quality-check vegetation, treatment, and livestock-location data · Analyze ecological and spatial data using appropriate statistical methods · Evaluate treatment effects on plant communities, vegetation structure, habitat heterogeneity, and livestock use · Work collaboratively with university researchers, land managers, conservation organizations, agency personnel, and other project partners · Develop and complete an M.S. thesis within the broader objectives of the project · Present research findings at statewide, regional, national and international professional or scientific meetings—e.g., Society for Range Management, Ecological Society of America, The Wildlife Society · Contribute to reports, management recommendations, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication This position is well suited for a student interested in grazing ecology, wetland restoration, plant community ecology, invasive plant management, plant–herbivore interactions, landscape heterogeneity, and applied conservation. The project provides an opportunity to conduct research that advances ecological understanding while directly informing management of one of Nebraska’s most distinctive and imperiled ecosystem types. The successful applicant will join a collaborative research environment focused on large-herbivore ecology, landscape heterogeneity, biodiversity, and the ecological consequences of spatially variable disturbance. The student will also gain experience working with land managers and conservation partners and translating ecological findings into practical management recommendations. Eligibility Requirements · Must hold a bachelor’s degree by the position start date · Must meet admission requirements for the appropriate M.S. degree program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Must be admitted to a specific graduate-degree objective and enrolled for credit during the fall and spring semesters · Must maintain good academic standing throughout the appointment · Must be eligible to work in the United States · Must be available to begin the assistantship no later than January 11, 2027 -- Preferred start by January 4, 2027. · Must possess a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain one before beginning fieldwork · Must be willing and able to travel to field sites and conduct fieldwork under hot, humid, muddy, and otherwise variable conditions · Must be able to work independently and cooperatively as part of a field and research team Preferred Qualifications · B.S. degree in ecology, rangeland science, wildlife biology, natural resources, agronomy, environmental science, plant science, animal science, or a related field · Interest in grazing ecology, wetland restoration, plant community ecology, invasive species management, or plant–herbivore interactions · Experience conducting vegetation, wetland, rangeland, livestock, or wildlife fieldwork · Experience working with cattle or in livestock-production systems · Familiarity with R, GIS, GPS data, spatial analysis, or ecological data management · Strong organizational skills and careful attention to data quality · Effective written and oral communication skills · Ability to communicate and work professionally with researchers, land managers, agricultural producers, agency personnel, and conservation partners Previous experience with livestock, wetlands, R, GIS, or animal-movement data is helpful but not required. Applicants do not need to possess all preferred qualifications. Students with relevant transferable experience, a strong interest in the research, and a demonstrated willingness to learn are encouraged to apply. Application Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials to Dr. Nic McMillan at nmcmillan2@unl.edu. Use “Saline Wetlands M.S. Application – [Last Name]” in the email subject line. 1. Cover letter describing your interest in the position, relevant experience, research interests, and professional goals 2. Curriculum vitae or résumé 3. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended 4. Contact information for two professional or academic references Applications received by November 20, 2026, will receive full consideration. Review may begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. The selected applicant must also apply to and be admitted by the appropriate graduate program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Contact Nic McMillan 402-472-0530 nmcmillan2@unl.edu (preferred contact method)
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