Research Technician I – Field Wildlife Support

About the role

The Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is hiring Research Technician I(s) for a fixed‑term field assignment. Technicians will support wildlife research by assisting with trapping, collaring, and monitoring of bobcats, coyotes, and small mammals across multiple South Texas study sites.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in trapping, capturing, and collaring bobcats and coyotes.
• Deploy, maintain, and retrieve data from remote camera grids.
• Operate and service small‑mammal trapping grids, including baiting and cleaning.
• Respond to mortality and collar‑drop events and download telemetry data.
• Enter, organize, and manage field data and biological samples in a database.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; two years of related experience.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Physical ability to lift heavy objects, hike several miles with equipment, and work in >90 °C heat and thorny brush.
• Willingness to work on private and federal lands and collaborate with landowners.

Required skills

• Telemetry operation and data download.
• Camera trap setup and image classification.
• Animal handling and sedation techniques for wild carnivores.
• Field data entry and management.

What we offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement options through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas or an optional plan.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.