Research Technician I

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution’s 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.
Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.
Position Overview Research Technician I perform entry-level technical support work for research and seed production activities under general supervision. This role supports Texas Native Seeds projects by assisting with planting, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting of native seeds. The position also contributes to research efforts through field plot establishment, data collection, and equipment operation. Work involves routine tasks in both field and greenhouse environments.

Requirements

• Education – High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience - Two years of related experience in research support, agriculture, or similar field
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
• Ability to move up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
• This position is security sensitive
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
• This position may require up to 10% (specify percentage) or more travel
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends not to exceed 40 hours in a week.
• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

Nice To Haves

• Experience with native plant identification
• Experience in agricultural or ecological research
• Familiarity with greenhouse operations and seed handling
• Basic data collection and analysis experience
• Familiarity with technical equipment
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and establish procedures
• Basic knowledge of plant science, agriculture or ecology
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Plants, waters, and maintains greenhouse operations.
• Assists in planting, maintaining, and harvesting research and production fields.
• Supports pest control, irrigation, and crop protection efforts.
• Operates vehicles and farm equipment including tractors, combines, tillage implements, sprayers, shredders, and planters.
• Performs research and crop production duties using farm machinery.
• Aids in the establishment of research plots and assists with field experiments.
• Collects samples and measurement data from field and greenhouse experiments.
• Implements and maintains data collection protocol and summarize field trails.
• Collects, compiles, and records field data.
• Performs basic computations and assists with reporting.
• Assists graduate students in data collection.
• Cleans seed, performs germination tests, and reports findings.
• Assist with laboratory and technical procedures.
• Operates seed cleaning equipment
• Records and catalogs harvested seed
• Performs labor intensive tasks in various weather conditions.
• Assists staff with major projects and experiments
• Follows all policies, processes and procedures to ensure safe work practices.

Benefits

• Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
• Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
• Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month 8 hours of sick leave per month 8 hours of paid Birthday leave 12-15 paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED