Research Technician I

Texas A&M - Kingsville • Kingsville, TX

8d • 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

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 $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