Research Technician I

Job TitleResearch Technician I Agency Texas A&M University

• Kingsville Department Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationKingsville, Texas Job TypeStaff 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 Research Technician I perform entry-level technical support work for research and seed production activities under general supervision. This role supports Texas Native Seeds projects by assisting with planting, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting of native seeds. The position also contributes to research efforts through field plot establishment, data collection, and equipment operation. Work involves routine tasks in both field and greenhouse environments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Seed Production and Plant Care Plants, waters, and maintains greenhouse operations. Assists in planting, maintaining, and harvesting research and production fields. Supports pest control, irrigation, and crop protection efforts. Operates vehicles and farm equipment including tractors, combines, tillage implements, sprayers, shredders, and planters. Performs research and crop production duties using farm machinery. Research Support and Data Collection and Management Aids in the establishment of research plots and assists with field experiments. Collects samples and measurement data from field and greenhouse experiments. Implements and maintains data collection protocol and summarize field trails. Collects, compiles, and records field data. Performs basic computations and assists with reporting. Assists graduate students in data collection. Seed processing and Lab Support Cleans seed, performs germination tests, and reports findings. Assist with laboratory and technical procedures. Operates seed cleaning equipment Records and catalogs harvested seed Field work and General Labor Performs labor intensive tasks in various weather conditions. Assists staff with major projects and experiments Follows all policies, processes and procedures to ensure safe work practices. 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

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience
• Two years of related experience in research support, agriculture, or similar field Required Licenses and Certifications Valid driver's license Preferred Qualifications Experience with native plant identification Experience in agricultural or ecological research Familiarity with greenhouse operations and seed handling Basic data collection and analysis experience Familiarity with technical equipment Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others Ability to follow detailed instructions and establish procedures Basic knowledge of plant science, agriculture or ecology Strong attention to detail and organizational skills 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 10% (specify percentage) or more travel This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends not to exceed 40 hours in a week. 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. 4

DX:

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. Thank you for your interest in a career with Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK)! We are a public research university located in Kingsville, Texas. TAMUK is the southernmost campus of the Texas A&M University System. It is located 40 miles southwest of Corpus Christi and is within a 4-hour or less drive to multiple metro areas, including: San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Brownsville

• McAllen
• Harlingen. The mission of Texas A&M University
• Kingsville is to enrich lives through education, discovery, and service in South Texas and beyond.

The university's enrollment of approximately 7,000 students reflects the ethnic diversity of South Texas, with approximately 65% of the students of Hispanic origin. The university consists of five academic colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and Education & Human Performance. The University has the Carnegie classification of:

Doctoral University:

High Research Activity. According to Forbes Media, ratings from Javelina alumni rank Texas A&M University

• Kingsville among the top 25 Universities in the nation.

The rankings are based on alumni feedback about their experience at the institution. Kingsville, a friendly and safe community, is home to nearly 30,000 people and represents a vital part of the Texas ranching industry with more than 60,000 cattle and 300 quarter horses. In addition to being home to the first institution of higher learning in South Texas, Kingsville is also home to Naval Air Station Kingsville and several Fortune 500 industrial companies. From its quaint, historical buildings downtown to the longhorn and Santa Gertrudis cattle that graze in the legendary King Ranch, Kingsville still retains much of its unique historical charm while continuing to steadily grow into its future. Visit www.tamuk.edu or www.kingsvilletexas.com for more information. If you need assistance in applying for any position, please contact a recruiting partner at (361) 593-3705. The following links will open in a new tab TAMUK Employee Services Home Page Prospective Employees TAMU System Job Opportunities Employee Benefits Campus Crime Statistics