Investigating the effects of urbanization on White-winged Dove movement and breeding ecology in Texas

Position Description: We are recruiting one M.S. student and one Ph.D. student to conduct research which aims to investigate movement, resource selection, and breeding ecology of White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) across urban-rural gradients in Texas. Here, White-winged Doves currently breed in ~200 counties versus <10 in 1980 and only 16% of the white-winged dove breeding population in Texas occurs in the traditional breeding sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Outside of the historic range, white-winged doves are predominately selecting for urban environments and preliminary evidence from Texas suggests most white-winged doves breed in the residential core of cities which has unknown impacts on reproduction, survival, resource selection, and movements. This study will address these knowledge gaps using a coordinated telemetry and banding program in conjunction with a study of breeding productivity across urban-rural gradients in the San Antonio and Houston areas and at traditional breeding sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Results from the study will be used to inform sustainable management decisions for White-winged Doves, an economically important game species in Texas at the same time as shedding light on adaptions of wildlife to urbanization. The candidates may have the opportunity to develop additional research questions that align with the goals of the research. The project is funded through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and students will be supervised by Dr. Jennifer Smith.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct fieldwork across urban-rural gradients to trap and tag White-winged Doves and monitor breeding attempts
  • Oversee field technicians during fieldwork
  • Data management
  • Apply statistical analysis used in assessments of breeding productivity, survival, resource selection, and space use
  • Liaise and collaborate with private landowners and agency personnel
  • Present research findings at conferences and via peer-reviewed journal articles
    • B.S. in ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related discipline

Qualifications Required: 

M.S. Assistantship: 

  • 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 and humid conditions

Ph.D. Assistantship: 

  • M.S. in ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related discipline
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) 
  • Strong quantitative skills 
  • 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 and humid conditions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated involvement in trapping, handling, and banding birds
  • Experience with telemetry equipment and telemetry tag data
  • Ph.D. Assistantship: record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations

Stipend/Salary: 

(M.S.)$1,800/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)

 (Ph.D.) $2,200/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: January 21, 2025 preferable, but open to negotiation

Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications upon receipt 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). The deadline to apply is 8th November 2025

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.
EEO/AA/ADA