Field Research Operations Associate

Texas A&M University System•Corpus Christi, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi is hiring a Field Research Operations Associate to work as part of an integrated research operations team. The position supports environmental, meteorological, and oceanographic data collection, including installation, maintenance, and repair of stations and systems at remote locations along the Gulf Coast. The selected candidate will learn these activities and is expected to have civil trades experience and the ability to meet the physical demands of the work. Continued employment is contingent on external funding. The role includes operating university or rental vehicles, vessels, and machinery; supporting field mobilization and demobilization; deploying data collection systems and sensors; and assisting with instrument setup, testing, configuration, calibration, and troubleshooting. It also involves monitoring data quality and system performance, supporting laboratory inventory and sensor-handling processes, and collaborating with colleagues. Extensive travel, overnight stays, work outside normal business hours, exposure to extreme weather, and work from vessels may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Maintain a valid driver’s license.
Boating experience and willingness to obtain necessary training and certifications.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including extended overnight travel and work outside normal business hours.
Skill in using hand and power tools, including measuring, cutting, and basic assembly.
Ability to follow spoken or written instructions.
Experience working outdoors in varied environments and weather, including extreme heat, cold, sun, wind, and rough terrain.
Ability to walk up to 3 miles while carrying up to 20 pounds; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; and sit, stand, bend, twist, and maneuver in small spaces, on vessels, and on offshore buoys.
Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within three months of employment and retain it during employment.
Excellent task management and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
High level of articulation and professionalism, with exceptional attention to detail.
Critical thinking and proactive problem-solving skills.
Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement.
Ability to work independently with minimal guidance or as part of a team.
Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively; present information clearly and concisely; and perform under fluctuating workloads and competing deadlines.
Genuine care for workplace well-being and for contributions that support an efficient and effective work environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with electronic sensors, data collection systems, or field instrumentation.
Familiarity with environmental monitoring technologies or data loggers.
Basic knowledge of software tools for configuring or testing instrumentation, such as Campbell Scientific or Vaisala.
Experience interpreting wiring diagrams and equipment-manufacturer assembly instructions.
Understanding of data quality control and basic troubleshooting procedures.
Open-water dive certification.

Responsibilities

Safely operate university or rental vehicles, vessels, and machinery in support of field operations.
Perform mobilization and demobilization tasks in accordance with laboratory and operational procedures.
Assist with installation, maintenance, and operation of environmental data collection stations along the Gulf Coast.
Use hand and power tools to perform field work and assist with deployment of data collection systems, sensors, and components.
Perform field activities in hot or cold extreme weather and, when required, from a vessel.
Assist with setup and testing of electronic data collection systems, sensors, and components.
Use software packages to configure, calibrate, and test instruments.
Help identify issues and carry out corrective actions to restore proper sensor and system function.
Learn to review data on web platforms to monitor data quality and system performance.
Assist with operations lab processes, including inventory, calibration, and sensor handling.
Build relationships with colleagues within and outside the institute, learn about the institute’s work, and use available resources to complete duties and troubleshoot.
Travel extensively to off-site locations, including overnight travel and travel outside normal business hours, as needed.

Benefits

Medical insurance, with employee-only coverage listed at $0–$30 per month after the university contribution and university premium contributions for other coverage tiers.
Dental and vision coverage.
Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account.
Dual Career Partner Program.
On-campus wellness opportunities.
Work Life Solutions, including counseling, work-life assistance, financial resources, and legal resources.
Public Loan Forgiveness and book scholarships.
Tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year, subject to applicable rules.
Retirement through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas or Optional Retirement Plan, with voluntary tax-deferred account/deferred compensation plan options.
At least 8 hours of vacation paid time off per month.
8 hours of sick leave per month.
8 hours of paid birthday leave.
12–15 paid holidays per year.
Professional development opportunities.