Research Assistant
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Job Title
Research AssistantAgency
Texas A&M Agrilife ResearchDepartment
Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries ManagementProposed Minimum Salary
$15.85 hourlyJob Location
College Station, TexasJob Type
StaffJob Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. 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.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
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 at ty.werdel@ag.tamu.edu
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.
Summary
Conduct wildlife monitoring, data collection, and processing in west Texas field sites.
Job title
Research Assistant
Experience level
bachelor's degree
Minimum experience
0+ years exp
Industry
agriculture
Location requirements
College Station, TX; remote work not allowed
Salary
$16k+
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
College Station, TX, USA