Research Technician I

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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

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.

Essential Duties and 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

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Experience

Two Year of related experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications

US driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

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

• Ability to communicate effectively with people of varying backgrounds

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements

• 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

Other Requirements and Factors

• 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

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends not exceeding 40-hour work week.

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• 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

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.

4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.

Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change’s Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance:

• 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

Additional Information

A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual’s expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual’s current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university’s ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.

Application Instructions

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (Faculty only)
• Teaching philosophy (Faculty Only-Optional)

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.