Job Description
Job TitleResearch Specialist II (Goat Specialist) Agency Prairie View A&M University Department Adloc Cooperative Agriculture And Research Center Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationPrairie View, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description Important Immigration information: A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. ______________________________________________________________________________ The Research Specialist II (Goat Specialist) is responsible for the daily care, health monitoring, and productivity assessment of approximately 450 goats at the International Goat Research Center. The herd consists of 80% meat goats (Spanish and Boer breeds) and 20% dairy goats (Alpine breed). This position plays a critical role in maintaining herd health, supporting research initiatives, and ensuring optimal animal welfare and productivity. This position is funded by restricted funds or a grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of restricted or grant funds. The salary is determined in accordance with the University's compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates' education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.
Responsibilities:
Conducts daily herd inspections, health monitoring, treatment administration, and maintaining animal health records for approximately 450 goats requires substantial ongoing attention. Performs daily feeding operations, feed monitoring, pasture rotation assistance, and water management are critical recurring responsibilities. Provides breeding assistance, estrus monitoring, kidding support, and breeding documentation require seasonal but specialized oversight. Support Alpine dairy herd operations. through dairy goat support, milking assistance, and sanitation responsibilities. Maintains barns, fencing, shelters, feeding equipment, and general livestock facility upkeep is essential for operational continuity and animal welfare. Documents herd productivity, health treatments, assessments, and reporting supports both operational management and research initiatives. Participates in college-wide events. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree Six years of related experience. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Preferred Qualifications:
Seven years of experience in herd management, including health monitoring, breeding, and recordkeeping. Knowledge of goat breeds, behavior, and basic veterinary practices. Ability to identify signs of illness, aging, and reproductive inefficiency. Strong organizational and observational skills. Ability to work independently. Experience with both meat and dairy goat operations. Familiarity with livestock management software or recordkeeping systems. Basic understanding of animal science or agricultural research. Other Requirements:
Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force. Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends. Holiday work may be required depending on herd needs. Outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Job Posting Close Date:
07/09/2026 Required Attachments:
Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either "Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter" on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the "Resume/CV" or Resume/Cover Letter" attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional. Resume or Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Application Submission Guidelines:
All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site. The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process. Background Check Requirements:
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. For more than 140 years, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has been igniting passion in its students. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses, and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools. The University has an enrollment of more than 8,500 students. Designated an institution of "the first class" in the Texas Constitution, PVAMU is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state and a member of The Texas A&M University System. The University is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. PVAMU is conveniently located near the rapidly growing residential and commercial area known as the Northwest Houston Corridor. The developing Northwest Houston Corridor offers newly developed suburban communities, a variety of shopping and dining near the Houston Premium Outlets and is a short, 35-minute commute into downtown Houston. For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu. Your career opportunities with a "University of the First Class" begins here! Prairie View A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (936) 261-1730. https:
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