Research Technician I

About the role

The Research Technician I provides entry‑level technical support for the Spatial and Population Ecology of Carnivores (SPEC) Lab at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. The position is seasonal (January‑April 2027) and involves field work with bobcats on private and public lands in South Texas.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and maintain box traps for bobcats, including scouting, setting, checking, and relocating traps.
• Assist with chemical immobilizations and post‑capture work‑ups of bobcats from December through April.
• Respond to mortality events and collar drop incidents.
• Track collared felids using telemetry, download and organize collar data.
• Collect, label, and store scat and other biological samples.
• Set up and maintain remote cameras, then classify images.
• Provide coverage at other study sites as needed to ensure team rest periods.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; two years of related experience.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, hike long distances with equipment, and work in >90°C heat.
• Capacity to work independently on private and federal lands and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Required skills

• Telemetry operation and data download.
• GPS‑collared animal monitoring.
• Remote camera deployment and image classification.
• Box‑trap handling for wild carnivores.
• Chemical immobilization procedures for wildlife.
• Data management and organization.