Extension and Research Technician-1
About The Position
This position supports both agricultural research operations and the transportation and maintenance of mobile education vehicles. This dual-role position performs essential animal care and welfare duties, supports research protocols, ensures proper farm and equipment operation, assists with veterinary and animal health needs, and provides training and guidance to staff and student workers. In addition, the role facilitates the safe transportation, dispatch, and operational readiness of mobile education vehicles across multiple counties and statewide program sites. Responsibilities include routine vehicle inspections, equipment maintenance, recordkeeping, safety compliance, and coordination of logistics to ensure timely deployment of mobile units. This position requires strong technical, mechanical, and animal husbandry skills, along with a commitment to safe, efficient, and high-quality support for research and outreach programs. This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding. The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Three years of related experience.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
- Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
- Ability to exert heavy force.
Responsibilities
- Perform general animal welfare tasks including feeding, watering, grooming, exercising, and routine observations.
- Collect research data including ruminal fluid, digestibility, and degradability samples.
- Make and record weights, measurements, and documentation ensuring compliance with animal care and use protocols.
- Assist with establishing and modifying research procedures in coordination with supervisors.
- Collect samples and scientific measurements from experiments and field trials.
- Ensure accurate submission of animal inspection information into farm management systems.
- Operate heavy and light farm equipment such as tractors, pickups, skid steers, loaders, and augers.
- Perform minor facility repairs including fences, gates, feeders, pens, and barns.
- Maintain inventory and organization of animal and farm facility supplies.
- Conduct daily animal health assessments, welfare checks, and surveillance.
- Assist veterinarians and research staff with medical procedures and routine health tasks.
- Support proper socialization and training of animals.
- Provide guidance, training, and technical expertise to other technicians and student workers.
- Assist in training animals to improve temperament and safe handling.
- Perform other animal husbandry duties to meet breeding and productivity goals.
- Facilitate daily transportation and dispatch of mobile education vehicles to multiple sites across six counties and throughout Texas as needed.
- Transport vehicles safely to program locations, vendor locations, and special events.
- Manage multi-site vehicle garaging and secure storage.
- Ensure vehicles are properly fueled and stocked with necessary fluids, lubricants, potable water, and operational supplies.
- Conduct daily inspection and replenishment of onboard systems including: Cooking appliances, Electrical systems, Propane, natural gas, and fuel systems, Refrigeration and freezer units, Generators, battery systems, and fuses.
- Perform field inspections, verify maintenance needs, and conduct emergency repairs as necessary.
- Maintain accurate maintenance, repair, and inspection records for all mobile units.
- Ensure safety policies, vehicle requirements, and operational protocols are followed.
- Support compliance for CDL-related regulations and vehicle transport standards.
- Collaborate with internal teams to coordinate transportation schedules.
- Schedule trips, routes, and vendor driver assignments.
- Address operational issues by transmitting information or providing solutions.
- Prioritize tasks based on urgency, ensuring timely and safe deployment of mobile units.
- Participates in college wide events.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
