Technician - Wintering Grassland Bird and Habitat Surveys

Job Title: Technician - Wintering Grassland Bird and Habitat Surveys Location: Alpine Department: Borderlands Research Institute Job No.: 400002 Posting Date: 10/02/2026 End Date: 02/28/2027 Until Filled: Yes Appointment Date: 12/01/2026 Salary: $18/hour; up to 40 hours per week Required: Highschool / GED Experience identifying birds, vegetation. Ability to work in a team and independently. Ability to work in remote locations and in cold/windy conditions. Preferred: B.S. in Natural Resources Management or related field. Experience driving 4WD vehicles. Experience identifying birds and plants in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas/Chihuahuan Desert, or desert southwest. Staffing Reason: Temporary Primary Responsibilities: Job Summary: Grasslands are one of the largest biomes within the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, and are valuable for food and energy production, recreation, tourism, and culture. Additionally, these desert ecosystems also provide critical ecosystem services such as climate regulation, carbon sequestration, erosion and pest control, water regulation, and pollination services, and are rich in biodiversity. However, despite their significance, desert ecosystems are one of the world’s most imperiled ecosystems. Populations of grassland birds have declined consistently and at higher rates than any other group of birds in North America. Long-term avian population change data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey illustrates that 67% of grassland bird populations have decreased in the past 60 years. This decline is primarily attributed to the loss of suitable habitat, but wintering habitat requirements are not well-studied for most species. This position will support an ongoing study of birds that winter in the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands and how bird communities respond to woody plant treatments. Two individuals will be hired. Essential Job Functions: Follow established protocol to identify and count grassland birds. Follow established protocol to measure vegetation at various scales. Record and enter related data. Expectation of Quality: Employee will support the mission of Sul Ross State University by providing high-quality, professional services, timely responses, and solutions to customer requests. Key Competencies: (Knowledge Skills and Abilities) Experience identifying birds, vegetation; Ability to work in a team and independently; Ability to work in remote locations and in cold/windy conditions. Follow established protocols to identify and count grassland birds and measure various vegetation at various scales. Ability to record and input data. Other tasks as assigned. Physical Requirements: Must be able to walk/hike over rough terrain, in cold and windy conditions, to collect data. Must have good vision and hearing required to properly identify birds. Must be fit enough to carry a pack with field gear, food/water, etc…while working. Working Conditions: Field conditions will be remote, rugged, cold and windy. You'll be provided a work truck to perform duties, and possibly housing. Security Sensitive: This position is classified as Security‑Sensitive and is thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094, which authorize employers to obtain and review criminal history record information for applicants. Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice state work habits at all times. Other Information: An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing. Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in OnCampus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an OnCampus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io or emailing View email address on click.appcast.io About SRSU: Our campuses span a fascinating part of Texas-Alpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border. What you've heard is true – there is something very special about the areas we serve in our great State, and Sul Ross State University is vital to the continued growth and progress of our students and the communities we serve. Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in the fact that we serve a diverse population including many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students. From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals. For more information about how we're strategizing for the future, I invite you to visit Is Background Check Required? Yes #J-18808-Ljbffr Sul Ross State University