Research Assistant

Agency

Department

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.

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.