Research Technician I

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, performs entry-level, semi-skilled, technical support research work involving performance of routine tasks for the Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute as part of their ongoing South Texas Ocelot research program. This position will run from June 2026 to October 2026. Will work remotely in Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, housing will be provided.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• US driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience collaring wild felid kittens
• Previous experience working with telemetry
• Previous experience handling wild animals
• Previous experience working with public and private entities
• Previous experience setting up camera traps
• Previous experience monitoring GPS collared animals

Responsibilities

• Monitors GPS-collared ocelots and bobcats to detect denning behavior.
• Places remote cameras at suspected den sites for monitoring target species.
• Utilizes VHF telemetry to track collared bobcat kittens on a weekly basis.
• Investigates mortality events and recovers slipped collars as needed.
• Responds to mortality events for collared adult bobcats, ocelots, and coyotes across study sites.
• Leads field teams in locating dens and capturing bobcat kittens.
• Follows established protocols to safely and effectively handle and collar bobcat kittens.
• Assists with carnivore fieldwork efforts throughout South Texas as needed.
• Supports the maintenance and monitoring of box trapping grids for bobcats.
• Communicates and maintains professional, respectful relationships with private landowners to support research activities.

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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED