Applications are invited for a Charles Sturt University PhD scholarship (APA equivalent) to work on a new project examining landholder values and stewardship of natural resources associated with the Billabong-Yanco Creek system.
The successful applicant will be based at CharlesSturtUniversity, Albury or Wagga Campus and work closely with a small team of researchers within the Institute for Land, Water and Society and project staff from Murray Local Land Services (LLS).
Project description: Billabong Creek is the longest creek in Australia and an important wildlife corridor for the Murray region. The resilience of the natural resources of the Billabong-Yanco Creek system will be improved by better understanding the values, stewardship, and behaviour of landholders in the region in regards to the natural environment. The aims of this project are to: i) assess landholder attitudes and values regarding the creek, adjacent lands and associated natural resources; ii) match landholder attitudes and values to stewardship and behaviour in conserving and managing the creek, adjacent lands and associated natural resources; and iii) contextualise these findings to wider economic and other imperatives impinging on landholders. A PhD project related to any of these key themes will be considered.
Availability: One scholarship is available for this project. Applications remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Scholarship details: The scholarship will comprise an annual CSUPRS (APA equivalent) tax-free stipend of $25,392, operating support of at least $5,500/year for 3 years, and additional top up funding from Murray LLS of $5000. There are no University enrolment fees.
Required skills: Applicants should have skills in at least one of these areas: sociology, environmental science, landscape ecology; and/or ecosystem service provision. Experience working in agricultural/rural landscapes and liaising with landholders is desirable.
Eligibility: The scholarship is open to citizens of Australia or New Zealand or Australian permanent residents. Applicants should have received either Honours Class 1 or 2a, or Masters by research or equivalent.
Application Details: Applications or enquiries should be directed to:
Associate Professor Jonathon Howard
Email: jhoward@csu.edu.au
Tel: +61 2 69332610