Research Assistant

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! Position Information : Conduct monitoring for birds, bats, and mammals using autonomous recording units (acoustic and ultrasonic monitors) and trail cameras in west Texas. The successful candidate will deploy and maintain monitors at our west Texas field site, process data using automated classifiers, and manually verify species identifications from classifier results. The Research Associate will also perform data entry and upload files to the project database. The Research Associate will work closely with staff and collaborators to conduct activities and support the overall needs of the project.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in wildlife biology or closely related natural resource field.
• Collect data with strong attention to detail while working independently or as part of a small team.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work early mornings and walk/hike for extended periods while carrying a field pack; positive attitude in adverse environmental conditions such as fire ants, chiggers, rattlesnakes, feral pigs, normal daily temperatures of over 90°F, intense sun, thick and thorny brush, and steep and rocky terrain.
• Ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.
• Proficient typing and transcription skills; able to complete repetitive tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience identifying mammals, birds (particularly by sound), and/or bats (by sonogram) that occur in west Texas.
• Experience deploying autonomous recording units and/or trail cameras for wildlife research.
• Experience driving 4WD vehicles.
• Experience in field navigation and spatial data collection using GPS.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS Pro/Field Maps, and/or automated classification software for wildlife detection (e.g., BirdNET, SonoBat, MegaDetector.

Responsibilities

• Frequent travel to field sites in west Texas to deploy autonomous recording units (acoustic and ultrasonic monitors) and trail cameras, including device setup, maintenance, and data retrieval.
• Organize and process acoustic recordings and photographs using both automated classification software (e.g., BirdNET, SonoBat, MegaDetector) and manual file review.
• Conduct data entry and quality control checks; upload files to project database.
• Ensure all field gear and sensors are in good working order.
• Maintain meticulous field notes and frequent communication with project supervisors.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level