Research Associate

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate, under general supervision, supports scientific research, ecological monitoring, and natural resource management programs at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The position applies technical knowledge to coordinate and conduct wildlife conservation, protected species, and habitat management activities on an active military installation. The Research Associate supports research planning, data collection and analysis, project coordination, and stakeholder collaboration to advance program objectives.

This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance. The role requires outdoor work for extended periods in varying weather and rugged terrain, travel to field sites throughout Fort Sill and surrounding project areas, and the ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field.
• Two or more years of professional experience conducting wildlife, ecological, or environmental research.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and natural resource management principles.
• Knowledge of wildlife monitoring, ecological field research, and biological data collection methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of vegetation management practices, invasive species control techniques, and herbicide application methods.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), GPS technology, and spatial data management.
• Skill conducting biological field surveys and ecological monitoring using standardized scientific protocols.
• Skill collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting biological and spatial data.
• Skill safely operating and maintaining herbicide application equipment, UTVs, tractors, mowers, sprayers, and other field equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Oklahoma pesticide applicator license as required for assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with military personnel, agency representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with project requirements.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in remote outdoor environments under varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to interpret and follow research protocols, environmental regulations, and installation access requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
• Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and operational requirements in a dynamic field environment.
• State driver’s license.
• Ability to travel to field sites throughout Fort Sill and surrounding project areas as required.
• Ability to lift and carry field equipment, herbicide application equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain installation access and comply with military installation requirements.
• Ability to operate and maintain field research, vegetation management, and herbicide application equipment.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed for field operations, wildlife surveys, and project requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with avian monitoring techniques, including territory mapping, nest searching, nest monitoring, and reproductive success surveys.
• Experience implementing acoustic monitoring surveys for bats or other wildlife using automated recording technologies.
• Experience applying herbicides for invasive species management, habitat restoration, vegetation management, or natural resource conservation programs.
• Experience operating and maintaining tractors, UTVs, mowers, sprayers, and other vegetation management or field research equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports, research summaries, scientific publications, and presentations.
• Experience working on military installations or coordinating with federal and state natural resource agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wildlife monitoring and field research at Fort Sill, including passive bat acoustic monitoring; Black-capped Vireo territory mapping, nest searching, nest monitoring, and reproductive success surveys; Brown-headed Cowbird trapping and monitoring; and biological and ecological data collection under established scientific protocols.
• Conduct vegetation management and habitat improvement, including herbicide application, operating and maintaining vegetation management equipment, monitoring treatment effectiveness, assisting with invasive plant control, and supporting habitat management objectives.
• Obtain and maintain required Oklahoma pesticide applicator certifications and comply with applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage research data and geospatial information using ArcGIS, Field Maps, GPS technologies, and other tools; collect, analyze, interpret, and maintain spatial and biological datasets; and ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with project requirements.
• Maintain research records and databases.
• Analyze research findings and prepare technical reports, scientific summaries, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables for agency partners, military stakeholders, funding organizations, and scientific audiences.
• Plan research project activities, schedules, logistics, and deliverables; collaborate with military personnel, agency partners, researchers, and other stakeholders; and support multiple concurrent research initiatives.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot field research equipment, including acoustic monitoring devices, GPS units, and associated technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Dental insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Vision insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Life insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave.
• At least 8 hours per month of vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.
• Ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.

What This Job Offers

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