Research Assistant

Research Assistant

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Position Information:

Conduct monitoring for birds, bats, and mammals using autonomous recording units (acoustic and ultrasonic monitors) and trail cameras in west Texas. The successful candidate will deploy and maintain monitors at our west Texas field site, process data using automated classifiers, and manually verify species identifications from classifier results. The Research Associate will also perform data entry and upload files to the project database. The Research Associate will work closely with staff and collaborators to conduct activities and support the overall needs of the project.

Responsibilities:

• Frequent travel to field sites in west Texas to deploy autonomous recording units (acoustic and ultrasonic monitors) and trail cameras, including device setup, maintenance, and data retrieval.
• Organize and process acoustic recordings and photographs using both automated classification software (e.g., BirdNET, SonoBat, MegaDetector) and manual file review.
• Conduct data entry and quality control checks; upload files to project database.
• Ensure all field gear and sensors are in good working order.
• Maintain meticulous field notes and frequent communication with project supervisors.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in wildlife biology or closely related natural resource field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience identifying mammals, birds (particularly by sound), and/or bats (by sonogram) that occur in west Texas.
• Experience deploying autonomous recording units and/or trail cameras for wildlife research.
• Experience driving 4WD vehicles.
• Experience in field navigation and spatial data collection using GPS.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS Pro/Field Maps, and/or automated classification software for wildlife detection (e.g., BirdNET, SonoBat, MegaDetector).

Additional Requirements:

• Collect data with strong attention to detail while working independently or as part of a small team.
• Communicate effectively.
• Work early mornings and walk/hike for extended periods while carrying a field pack; positive attitude in adverse environmental conditions such as fire ants, chiggers, rattlesnakes, feral pigs, normal daily temperatures of over 90°F, intense sun, thick and thorny brush, and steep and rocky terrain.
• Ability to obtain a valid driver's license.
• Proficient typing and transcription skills; able to complete repetitive tasks.

What You Need to Know

Position Funding: This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application. Any questions, please contact Dr. Ty Werdel.

Required Documents

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter
• List of references
• Certifications/additional documentation

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.