Research Assistant: Native Fish

Montana State University (MSU): Seeking a MS student to characterize the swimming performance of native species in the Missouri River basin in relation to fish passage and fishways, beginning in May 2022. 

The project is a component of a partnership between the MSU-Western Transportation Institute (WTI) and Department of Civil Engineering (CE), the USFWS-Bozeman Fish Technology Center (BFTC), and the MSU Ecology Department to address fish passage needs. The accepted applicant will be enrolled in the MSU Department of Civil Engineering as a master’s candidate with Dr. Katey Plymesser (CE Dept.) and Dr. Matt Blank (CE and WTI Dept.; mblank@montana.edu) and Kevin Kappenman (USFWS).

The purpose of this research is to test and identify performance and behavior metrics of native fishes and to develop criteria for design of fish passage structures. This project will provide essential information to fish passage practitioners, including engineers, hydrologists, and biologists tasked with assessing existing structures to determine if they are barriers and to what degree, to design new structures, like Denil ladders or nature-like rock ramps, and to better operate and maintain existing or new fishways. Previous experience in experimentation and fish passage is desirable but not essential. Applicants must possess a BS degree in civil engineering or closely related field. Minimum 3.0 GPA.  Information about the MSU Department of Civil Engineering at https://www.montana.edu/ce, the Ecohydraulics group at https://www.montana.edu/ecohydraulics, and BFTC research and staff can be found at https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/ftc.php.

Anticipated start date is May 1, 2022. Tuition paid and stipend funded for 2 years (stipend funded for 2 y at $23,000 – 25,000/y).