Field Research Operations Associate

Texas A&M - Corpus Christi•Corpus Christi, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi is seeking a Field Research Operations Associate to join an integrated research operations team. The position supports environmental, meteorological, and oceanographic data collection, including the installation, maintenance, and repair of stations and systems at remote locations along the Gulf Coast. The role is contingent upon external funding, and continued employment depends on available funding. The associate supports field operations, instrumentation work, and team collaboration. Field duties include operating vehicles, vessels, and machinery; mobilizing and demobilizing equipment; deploying data-collection systems; and assisting with the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of stations. Instrumentation duties include setting up, configuring, calibrating, and testing electronic systems and sensors, helping troubleshoot problems, and monitoring data quality and system performance. Work may involve extensive travel, overnight travel, work outside normal business hours, extreme weather, and duties performed from a vessel. The position requires a bachelor's degree, a valid driver's license, experience with civil trades, and the ability to perform the physical requirements of the work. The employee must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within three months of employment and maintain it while employed. The position is based in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Maintain a valid driver’s license.
Demonstrated experience in civil trades and ability to perform the physical requirements of the position.
Boating experience and willingness to obtain necessary training or certifications.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including extended overnight travel and work outside normal business hours.
Skill using hand and power tools, including measuring, cutting, and basic assembly tasks.
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 organization skills; strong written and verbal communication; intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; professionalism and attention to detail.
Critical thinking, proactive problem-solving, initiative, and ability to identify opportunities for improvement.
Ability to work independently with minimal guidance or in a team, and to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively.
Ability to present information clearly and concisely and perform effectively amid fluctuating workloads and competing deadlines.
Genuine care for workplace wellbeing and for contributions that support an efficient and effective work environment.
Ability to perform field activities in extreme hot or cold weather and, when required, from a vessel.

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 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.
Assist with setup, configuration, calibration, and testing of electronic data-collection systems, sensors, and components.
Help identify instrumentation issues and take corrective actions to restore proper system and sensor function.
Review data on dedicated 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.
Troubleshoot and complete work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including employee-only coverage costing $0–$30 per month after the university contribution, with up to 83% of premiums covered for other listed coverage tiers.
Dental and vision insurance.
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.
Tuition benefits, including public loan forgiveness, book scholarships, and up to 100% 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 a voluntary tax-deferred account/deferred compensation plan.
At least 8 hours of paid vacation per month and 8 hours of sick leave per month.
8 hours of paid birthday leave.
12–15 paid holidays each year.
Professional development opportunities.