Research Technician I

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

1d • 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. For more information, click here. The Research Technician I, under general supervision, performs technical support involving performance of routine tasks for the South Texas Lion Project, part of the Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab and Patton Center for Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. This position is a temporary (4-5 month) project. Housing at a private ranch in Maverick and Dimmit Counties will be provided as part of this opportunity.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Two years of related experience.
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends not exceeding 40 hour work week.
• Ability to work independently in the field within both private and federal lands.
• Excellent data management skills and ability to record and organize information.
• Will require a US driver’s license.
• Ability to work in the field with >90° heat in thick thornscrub habitat.
• Ability to hike several miles a day and carrying equipment over uneven terrain and through thick vegetation.
• 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

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others

Responsibilities

• Investigate GPS clusters of collared mountain lions; collect and organize mountain lion scat and other biological samples
• Assist with deployment and maintenance of trail camera grid targeting mountain lions
• Track collared mountain lions using telemetry
• Maintain camera trapping photo database and classify images using a combination of AI (artificial intelligence) and manual techniques
• Participate in the work-ups of mountain lions
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• A welcoming campus community
• Opportunities for professional development
• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals
• 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