Research Associate (Wildlife Ecology)

Location: College Station, Texas; field work at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The role requires extended outdoor work, travel to field sites, occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends, plus installation access.

Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s experience.

Company

hirify.global supports agriculture, life sciences, ecological research, and natural resource programs within the Texas A&M University System.

What you will do

• Conduct wildlife monitoring and ecological field research, including bat acoustic monitoring, Black-capped Vireo surveys, Brown-headed Cowbird monitoring, and biological data collection.
• Perform vegetation management, invasive species control, herbicide application, and habitat improvement activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Use ArcGIS, Field Maps, GPS, and related tools to collect, analyze, interpret, and maintain spatial and biological datasets.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific summaries, presentations, manuscripts, and other project deliverables.
• Coordinate schedules, logistics, deliverables, and stakeholder collaboration across multiple research initiatives.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot acoustic monitoring devices, GPS units, herbicide equipment, UTVs, tractors, mowers, sprayers, and related field equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field, plus at least two years of professional wildlife, ecological, or environmental research experience.
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, wildlife monitoring, ecological field research, biological data collection, vegetation management, invasive species control, and herbicide application.
• Knowledge of GIS, GPS technology, and spatial data management; ability to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret biological and spatial data.
• Ability to conduct biological field surveys using standardized scientific protocols and maintain accurate records, data quality, integrity, and compliance.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain herbicide application and vegetation management equipment, UTVs, tractors, mowers, sprayers, and other field equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Oklahoma pesticide applicator license and a state driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate with military personnel, agency representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders; work independently and collaboratively; and adapt to changing project priorities.
• Ability to work safely in remote outdoor environments with varying weather and rugged terrain, lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and comply with research protocols, environmental regulations, installation access requirements, and other military installation requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience with avian monitoring, including territory mapping, nest searching, nest monitoring, and reproductive success surveys.
• Experience with automated acoustic monitoring surveys for bats or other wildlife.
• Experience applying herbicides for invasive species management, habitat restoration, vegetation management, or natural resource conservation.
• Experience operating and maintaining tractors, UTVs, mowers, sprayers, and related equipment.
• Experience preparing technical reports, research summaries, scientific publications, and presentations.
• Experience working on military installations or coordinating with federal and state natural resource agencies.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time staff position funded through grants or contracts; continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory performance.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with employer contributions.
• 12–15 paid holidays, up to 8 hours of sick leave per month, and at least 8 hours of vacation per month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee wellness initiatives and professional development through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internal programs.
• Employment may involve H-1B sponsorship requirements; Texas A&M AgriLife will not pay the stated $100,000 H-1B petition fee, and Texas restrictions may affect sponsorship-based employment.

Hiring process

• Submit complete application data or a complete resume; incomplete applications may be rejected.
• Applicants are encouraged to provide a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references, including at least one previous supervisor.
• Employment is contingent on credential verification, a criminal history investigation, and completion of required institutional procedures.