Research Associate

Research Associate

Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Job Summary:

The Research Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for supporting scientific research, ecological monitoring, and natural resource management programs at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The position applies technical knowledge to coordinate and conduct wildlife conservation, protected species, and habitat management activities on an active military installation. The Research Associate supports research planning, data collection and analysis, project coordination, and stakeholder collaboration to advance program objectives.

Responsibilities:

• 30% - Conducts wildlife monitoring and field research activities in support of natural resource management objectives at Fort Sill, including implementing passive bat acoustic monitoring surveys; conducting Black-capped Vireo territory mapping, nest searching, nest monitoring, and reproductive success surveys; coordinating Brown-headed Cowbird trapping and monitoring efforts; and collecting biological and ecological field data in accordance with established scientific protocols.
• 20% - Conducts vegetation management and habitat improvement activities by applying herbicides in accordance with federal, state, and installation requirements; operating and maintaining vegetation management equipment; monitoring treatment effectiveness; assisting with invasive plant control efforts; and supporting habitat management objectives. Obtains and maintains required Oklahoma pesticide applicator certifications and ensures compliance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• 20% - Manages research data and geospatial information systems by utilizing ArcGIS, Field Maps, GPS technologies, and other geospatial tools to collect, analyze, interpret, and maintain spatial and biological datasets; ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance with project requirements; and maintaining research records and databases.
• 10% - Prepares technical reports and scientific communications by analyzing research findings and developing technical reports, scientific summaries, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables for agency partners, military stakeholders, funding organizations, and scientific audiences.
• 10% - Coordinates research projects and stakeholder engagement by planning project activities, schedules, logistics, and deliverables; collaborating with military personnel, agency partners, researchers, and other stakeholders; and supporting successful implementation of multiple concurrent research initiatives.
• 5% - Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots field research equipment including acoustic monitoring devices, GPS units, and associated technologies to support field operations and data collection efforts.
• 5% - Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field.
• Two or more years of professional experience conducting wildlife, ecological, or environmental research.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and natural resource management principles.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in wildlife monitoring, ecological field research, and biological data collection.
• Knowledge of vegetation management practices, invasive species control techniques, and herbicide application methods.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), GPS technology, and spatial data management.
• Skill in conducting biological field surveys and ecological monitoring using standardized scientific protocols.
• Skill in collecting, managing, analyzing, and interpreting biological and spatial data.
• Skill in safely operating and maintaining herbicide application equipment, UTVs, tractors, mowers, sprayers, and other field equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Oklahoma pesticide applicator license as required for assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with military personnel, agency representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with project requirements.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in remote outdoor environments under varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to interpret and follow research protocols, environmental regulations, and installation access requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
• Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and operational requirements in a dynamic field environment.

Required Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

• State Driver's License
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Oklahoma pesticide applicator license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with avian monitoring techniques, including territory mapping, nest searching, nest monitoring, and reproductive success surveys.
• Experience implementing acoustic monitoring surveys for bats or other wildlife using automated recording technologies.
• Experience applying herbicides for invasive species management, habitat restoration, vegetation management, or natural resource conservation programs.
• Experience operating and maintaining tractors, UTVs, mowers, sprayers, and other vegetation management or field research equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports, research summaries, scientific publications, and presentations.
• Experience working on military installations or coordinating with federal and state natural resource agencies.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain.
• Ability to travel to field sites throughout Fort Sill and surrounding project areas as required.
• Ability to lift and carry field equipment, herbicide application equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain installation access and comply with all military installation requirements.
• Ability to operate and maintain field research, vegetation management, and herbicide application equipment.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed to support field operations, wildlife surveys, and project requirements.
• This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties:

• Herbicide equipment 15 hours
• Vegetation management equipment 15 hours

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate's experience.

Position Funding:

• This position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment is dependent upon ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.