PhD position (2024–2027): Wildlife movement & forest management - Jobs in Halifax, NS

Job Description

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s leading private land conservation organization. Since 1962, NCC has helped conserve over 15 million hectares, coast to coast to coast. The Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship Program supports and trains graduate students conducting NCC priority research so that they can become next-generation leaders in applied conservation science. Research by Fellows supports the conservation and management of important natural areas and biodiversity across Canada. Learn more about the program on our Fellowship Program webpage.Project summaryThe Chignecto Isthmus is the only terrestrial connection between Nova Scotia and the rest of North America. As a result, forest management plays a critical role in ensuring Nova Scotia and New Brunswick forests are connected for the movement of wildlife. NCC has been working with partners in the Chignecto Isthmus to conserve important habitats and promote the importance of connectivity. The objective of this project is to identify forest management treatment/prescription opportunities that can conserve, enhance or restore wildlife connectivity in the Chignecto region and potentially across other managed forests in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The research will involve creating new and applying existing models on species distribution, connectivity, climate and forest futures to help inform the development of forest management plans and strategies that benefit ecological connectivity and animal movement. Some field work may be required.The student will be based at the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University and supervised by Dr. Alana Westwood. The student will interact with NCC staff, including those in the Atlantic region and the Weston Family Science Program, as well as other research partners.Fellowship detailsThe Fellowship will begin in January 2024 and consist of up to four years of support, with a minimum $26,000 annual stipend. The student may work with their supervisor and/or NCC to apply for additional stipend funding (e.g., Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship due Jan 16, teaching assistantships, Mitacs internship due spring 2023). Some additional support will be available for professional development and knowledge mobilization (e.g., training, conferences). Fellowship funding is not used for research costs, including field accommodation; if such costs arise, the supervisor will support the student’s development of applications for funding to cover these costs.Interaction with NCC staff and other Fellows is core to the program, including discussion, feedback and peer-to-peer learning. This helps ensure that conservation efforts by NCC and partners benefit from the best available evidence, as well as enabling Fellows to learn about conservation practice and the non-profit sector, develop career-related skills and build their professional network.Fellowship requirementsEssential qualifications are a master’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, biology, geography or a related field; strong demonstrated interest in and knowledge of forest management and conservation; and meeting the minimum graduate admissions criteria for the Dalhousie University interdisciplinary PhD program. Experience with GIS, forestry modelling software, forest climate projections, terrestrial ecosystems in Atlantic Canada and collaborations among industry, academia and the non-profit sector are assets. Fellowships are open to international students, but preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.Diversity, equity and inclusionNCC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Fellowship program. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups that are minoritized, marginalized and/or excluded from conservation and science, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, people living with visible and invisible disabilities, and/or members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. NCC values and incorporates diverse traditions, heritage, knowledge and experiences in our mission and in our workplaces. We celebrate the full participation of people from all walks of life as we work toward common goals. We strive for a conservation movement in which equity, diversity and inclusion are the norm. This is our continuous commitment: to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet for everyone.How to applySelection for the Fellowship is a three-step process. First, interested applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 2 pages) explaining their background and interest in the position, as well as a CV or resumé, contact information for 2–3 references and unofficial transcripts by November 13, 2022. Second, short-listed candidates will be invited for an online interview with representatives from the Westwood Lab at Dalhousie University and NCC. Interviews will take place between November 18–22. Third, following the interview process, the successful candidate will apply for admission to the IDPhD program at Dalhousie University.Questions can be directed to Samantha Knight, Weston Family Science Program Manager, samantha.knight@natureconservancy.ca. Accommodations related to accessibility are available upon request for any aspect of the application and interview process.The Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Weston Family Foundation.Quick Apply

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