Graduate Research Assistantship Available to Assist Puget Sound Nearshore Science Team

A federal, state and local partnership has been established to support the development of large-scale ecosystem restoration of Puget Sound nearshore shorelines, estuaries and deltas. This initiative, the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP) is under the auspices of the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The University is playing a prominent role through contribution to PSNERP's 12-member Nearshore Science Team (NST). As part of the project, the NST is seeking a currently registered graduate student to serve as a Research Assistant (RA) to support the NST's activities and to utilize this activity as a thesis topic on science and policy issues in ecosystem restoration.

The RA will likely be expected to conduct his/her thesis research on the topic of stakeholder participation in large-scale environmental restoration, and will work directly with Profs. Tom Leschine (Marine Affairs) and Charles ("Si") Simenstad (Aquatic and Fishery Sciences). The RA position will provide 50% support and tuition wavier for up to 12-18 months, beginning Summer or Autumn Quarter 2008, which will likely be renewable for an additional 9-12 months (2009-2010 school year). Although initial appointment will be made through Spring 2009, appointment will be renewed as long as good progress is being made on the project and funding remains available.

Further information about the PSNERP and the NST is available at: http://www.pugetsoundnearshore.org/what.htm

Expected Duties:
Conduct thesis/dissertation work in line with goals of the grant. Assist the science team in development of planning documents, research summaries, and review of current states of scientific knowledge and policy that will guide nearshore habitat restoration. The RA will be responsible for developing and maintaining the meeting minutes and updating the NST website. The work would be performed on campus but require attending meetings two days a month at University and government offices around Puget Sound, as well as some other incidental travel.

Qualifications:
The student should have a Washington State driver's license, be eligible for a Graduate Student Assistantship, beginning Summer or Autumn 2008, and be prepared to maintain full-time graduate status over the full course of the appointment, including the 2009 Summer Quarter.

Desired: The student should be very familiar with library research resources, efficient at
synthesizing complex information, have basic to advanced computer skills (including GIS and web site maintenance preferred), the ability to work independently, feel comfortable speaking in groups, and have a genuine interest in Puget Sound ecology, policy development and ecosystem restoration.

To Apply:
Students must apply through the UWHires website. You may find this job description and process for applying at: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/index.html Please search for "Academic Student Employees" under category.

You will need to submit a resume and cover letter that includes the following:
1) identify strengths you would bring to this position; 2) your background and abilities directly related to this specific course; 3) contact information for 2-3 references (name, title, phone,
email) familiar with your research abilities.
Please also submit an unofficial transcript.

Preference will be given to applications received by Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Decisions and notification to all applicants will be communicated by Friday, July 25, 2008.