Research Technician I

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

10d • Remote

About The Position

Research Technician I (Temporary/Casual), 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 is temporary and will end no later than May 31, 2027. Will work remotely at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, with housing provided.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two Year of related experience.
• US driver’s license
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
• Ability to work independently in the field within both private and federal lands
• Excellent data management skills and ability to record and organize information
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of varying backgrounds
• Ability to lift heavy objects and exert heavy force
• Ability to hike several miles a day carrying equipment over uneven terrain with thick vegetation
• Ability to work in the field with >90° heat in thick, thorny brush habitat
• 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Monitor GPS-collared ocelots and bobcats to detect denning behavior
• Monitor GPS-collared ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes with telemetry when needed
• Place remote cameras appropriately at suspected den sites for each species
• Lead a team to search for dens and collar bobcat kittens
• Follow a protocol to safely and effectively handle and collar bobcat kittens
• Use VHF to track collared bobcat kittens weekly and investigate mortalities and/or recover slipped collars
• Be able to communicate with private landowners and maintain a respectful relationship
• Respond to mortality events for collared adult bobcats, ocelots, and coyotes across study sites
• Operate a box trapline for ocelots and bobcats, including setting traps, checking traps, scouting trap locations, and moving traps as needed
• Participate in chemical immobilizations and work-ups of ocelots and bobcats from December through April
• May assist with other carnivore fieldwork in South Texas
• May operate a trapline as needed for small mammals using Sherman traps
• Collect and organize biological samples
• Assist with setting and maintaining remote cameras, as well as classifying camera images

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• On-Campus Wellness Opportunities
• 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