Outdoor Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title
Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Department
Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Kingsville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region's premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution's 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.
Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.
For more information, click here.
Position Overview
The Research Associate performs advanced research activities requiring specialized knowledge in scientific disciplines. This role involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, preparing research proposals, and supervising research personnel. The position serves as a key contributor to the Texas Native Seeds program, supporting both research and native seed production operations. The role also includes fieldwork, greenhouse oversight, and collaboration on outreach initiatives, with work based in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Research Design and Implementation

• Design, plan, conduct, and coordinate experiments for multiple research projects, including species evaluations, and planting trials.
• Evaluate and apply standard research techniques and methodologies
• Maintain detailed and accurate research data records
• Perform statistical and technical analysis using computers and specialized software
• Install and maintain field research projects utilizing agricultural equipment
• Assist with native seed production and greenhouse operations
• Assist with operating and maintaining research and farm equipment
• Collect vegetation data, including in remote location and adverse conditions

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze experimental results and interpret findings
• Summarize results for scientific and popular publications
• Prepare technical documentation and project reports

Proposal Development, Project Management and Outreach

• Assist with preparing and writing research proposals for funding agencies
• Support grant related documentation and reporting
• Meet with potential funders
• Assist with public and professional outreach activities

Supervision and training

• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students
• Oversee laboratory, field and technical staff
• Provide training and guidance on research procedures and safety.

Other Duties

• The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education - Bachelor's degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience - Two Years of related experience

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in ecological or agricultural research
• Experience with native seed production or greenhouse operation
• Experience supervising students or staff
• Experience writing grant proposals

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of laboratory and field research techniques
• Ability to analyze data using statistical and computer software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Skill in operating research and farm equipment
• Ability to work in outdoor and remote environments

Other Requirements
Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
• Ability to move up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
• This position may require up to 25% (specify percentage) or more travel
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
• This position may direct and/or evaluate the work of others
• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance

Why Join the Javelina Nation?
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• A welcoming campus community
• Opportunities for professional development
• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University's culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK's Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.
4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.
Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change's Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees' well-being, professional growth, and financial security.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.
Insurance:

• Medical
  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
    • Employee and Spouse
    • Employee and Children
    • Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:

• TAMUK's Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Employee Tuition Assistance Program
• Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Employee Leave:

• 8+ hours of vacation per month
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave
• 12-15 paid holidays per year

Additional Information
A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual's expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual's current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university's ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.
Application Instructions
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references

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.