Job Title

Research Technician I

Agency

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Department

Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Kingsville, Texas

Job Type

Temporary/Casual Staff (Fixed Term)

Job Description

About Texas A&M University–Kingsville

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.

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Position Overview

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, performs entry level, semi-skilled, technical research support 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 Research Program focuses on the population dynamics, spatial ecology, and genetics of carnivore populations in South Texas, USA, with this position supporting the estimation of carnivore densities and monitoring of interspecific interactions. Position is a 6-month term with option for extension. Will work remotely in Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, housing will be provided.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Field Operations & Equipment Management  

• Maintain trail camera grid of approximately 500 cameras. Camera maintenance includes collecting and redeploying SD cards, maintaining batteries, and moving cameras during times of severe weather or prescribed fire. 

• When necessary, assist with tracking of collared felids using telemetry. 

Data Management and Storage  

• Store and back up photo data appropriately. 

Image Processing and Database Support 

• Assist with photo processing and species identification. 

Other Duties 

• May assist with other carnivore fieldwork in South Texas.  

• May assist with fieldwork and maintaining box trapping grids for bobcats.  

• The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Education – High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Experience – Two years of related experience.  

Required Licenses and Certifications 

• US driver’s license 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience managing remote camera grids

• Previous experience working with telemetry 

• Previous experience handling wild animals

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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. 

Other Requirements