Natural Resources Job Board

 A technician is needed to support the black bear research project in the borderlands region in southwest Texas. After a 30+ year absence, black bears are starting to recolonize this area, and the population has expanded through natural dispersal from adjacent areas in Mexico. Researchers with Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University, in collaboration with Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and US Fish and Wildlife Service have initiated a multi-year study aimed to gather data on the ecology of black bears along the borderlands region of southwestern Texas and northern Mexico. 

The technician will work under the direction of the project graduate students and supervisory researchers. Main duties will be setting and baiting culvert traps to catch black bears and assisting graduate students with collaring and monitoring anesthetized bears during capture events. Other field efforts will include deploying/maintaining trail cameras, processing fecal samples and data entry/organization. 

Positions will start on September 15, 2025 and will last for 3 months. The position may require long/early days and weekend work. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, work well independently as well as in a team, and be able to follow instructions. Applicants are expected to be able to effectively navigate rough terrain both on foot and by vehicle (UTV & 4x4 truck). 

Housing will be provided in Del Rio, Texas in the form of a shared bunkhouse and/or rented space. 
 

·         Progress towards a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, biology, ecology, or closely related field.
·         Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle through rugged conditions.
·         Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds and hike over rocky, steep, and rough terrain in remote locations.
·         Demonstrated ability to communicate well with coworkers, supervisor, state personnel, and private landowners.
·         Must be willing to live and operate in remote desert locations with little access to certain amenities.
·         Experience with chemical immobilization.

Preferred: 

·         Prior experience capturing and collaring bears, or other large mammals 
·         Familiarity with safety in hot/arid climates with venomous snakes and spiney/spikey vegetation 
·         Prior experience working independently 

To apply for this position please send a resume, cover letter, and 2 letters of reference as a single pdf document to Caitlin Camp, caitlin.camp@sulross.edu.