Research Technician I

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.

For more information, click here.

Position Overview

The 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. This position will be based out of Kingsville, Texas, and will involve working closely with private landowners. Primary housing will not be provided for the duration of this position. However, if you are asked to assist at other study sites, temporary housing will be provided for any extended stays. Position is seasonal and expected to run January - April 2027.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate box traps for bobcats, including setting traps, checking traps, scouting trap locations, and moving traps as needed
  
• Participate in chemical immobilizations and work-ups of bobcats from December through April
  
• Respond to mortality and collar drop events
  
• Fill in at other study sites when needed to ensure all technicians on the project receive time off
  
• Track collared felids using telemetry and download collar data
  
• Collect and organize scat and other biological samples
  
• Assist with setting and maintaining remote cameras, as well as classifying camera images
  

Other Duties

• 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

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

Required Experience

• Experience - Two years of related experience.
  

Required Licenses and Certifications

• US driver's license
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 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, thornscrub 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 to exceed 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.