Job TitleResearch Assistant Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management Proposed Minimum Salary$15.85 hourly Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: 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 Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory 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. The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees. External Applicants - Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may Search Postings and apply for positions within one or more A&M System members by selecting the job posting. Internal Applicants - This site lists job postings throughout The Texas A&M University System. It is intended for applicants not currently employed by a member of the system. Current employees should apply for jobs on the Internal Career site. The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.