Natural Resources Job Board

 After a 30+ year absence, black bears are recolonizing the mountains of West Texas and researchers with Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University have initiated a multi-year study aimed at quantifying many aspects of the recolonizing population’s ecology. The project will be hiring one black bear capture technician and two hair snare technicians to aid in these efforts. All technicians will work under the direction of the project graduate students and supervisory researchers to complete their duties. 
The capture position will consist primarily of monitoring bear activity, moving/setting/baiting culvert traps, and assisting graduate students with collaring and processing anesthetized bears during capture events. Additional opportunities may include den site habitat surveys, hair snare sampling, and investigating mortalities. 
The hair snare positions will consist primarily of establishing/maintaining hair snare stations, processing samples, trail camera set-up/maintenance, and data entry/organization. Additionally, given primary obligations have been completed, hair snare technicians will have the opportunity to assist with concurrent black bear capture and collaring efforts. 
All positions will require long/early days and weekend work in hot, arid conditions, often in remote locations. Housing will be provided to the capture technician in the form of bunk houses, camper trailers, or rented houses at various trapping locations as the trapline is moved. The hair snare technicians will be housed in a rented house in Alpine, TX. Applicants are expected to be self motivated, maintain a positive attitude, be team players, and pay attention to detail during stressful situations. The positions will pay $18.00/hour for 40 hours/week and will start September 1, 2025, and end November 30, 2025. 
To apply, submit an application at the following link: https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/7822. The position is listed as “Black Bear Technician – short-term, no degree required”. Please state in your cover letter which position (or both) you would like to be considered for. 
Any questions should be addressed to Matt Hewitt at matthew.hewitt@sulross.edu. 

 Required: 
• Progress towards or completion of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, biology, ecology, or closely related field. 
• The ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds and hike off trail over rocky, steep, and rough terrain in remote locations. 
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle through rugged conditions. 
• Ability to implement and adhere to established data collection protocols. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well with coworkers, supervisors, state personnel, and private landowners. 
• Ability to maintain a positive and mature attitude. 
• Must be willing to live and operate in remote desert locations with little access to certain amenities. 

Preferred: 
• Prior experience setting and maintaining hair snares and camera traps. 
• Prior experience capturing and collaring large mammals/carnivores 
• Familiarity with safety in hot/arid climates 
• Experience with chemical immobilization 
• Basic mechanical skills