Black Bear Technician-short term, no degree required 2026-2027

Sul Ross State University; Alpine (TX); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Part time

Job summary

Sul Ross State University in Alpine is seeking a Black Bear Technician for a short-term position in support of wildlife research. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including lifting hefty weights and navigating remote terrains. Applicants should ideally possess a bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology or related fields. The pay is $18/hr, and the position will last for 3 months, potentially requiring long hours and weekend work. Join a pioneering team studying the recovery of black bears in Texas.

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain safety in hot/arid climates.
• Experience with chemical immobilization.
• Basic mechanical skills.

Responsibilities

• Support a black bear research project by trapping logistics and animal handling.
• Operate camera traps and run hair snares.
• Collect and organize data and process samples.

Skills

Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds

Ability to hike over rocky and steep terrain

Valid U.S. driver's license

Implement data collection protocols

Communication skills with diverse stakeholders

Positive attitude

Thriving in remote locations

Education

Progress towards or completion of a bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology, biology, ecology

Tools

4WD vehicle operation

Camera traps

Hair snares

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Black Bear Technician-short term, no degree required 2026-2027

Location: Alpine

Department: Borderlands Research Institute

Job No.: G99451

Posting Date: 04/20/2026

Until Filled: Yes

Appointment Date: 09/01/2026

Salary: $18/hour up to 40 hours/week

Requirements

Required:

• Progress towards or completion of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, biology, ecology, or closely related field.
• Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds and hike over rocky, steep, and rough terrain in remote locations.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle through rugged conditions.
• Ability to implement and adhere to established data collection protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well with coworkers, supervisor, state personnel, and private landowners.
• Ability to maintain a positive and mature attitude.
• Must be able to thrive 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 bears, or other large carnivores.
• Familiarity with safety in hot/arid climates.
• Experience with chemical immobilization.
• Basic mechanical skills.

Primary Responsibilities

Technician(s) are needed to support a black bear research project in west Texas. After a 30+ year absence, black bears are starting to recolonize this part of Texas. Researchers with the Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University have initiated a multi-year study exploring many aspects of the recolonizing population’s ecology.

Technician will work under the direction of the project graduate students and supervisory researchers. Depending on time-of-year, duties may include trapping logistics and animal handling, operating camera traps, running hair snares, data collection and organization, and sample processing.

Position(s) in the spring and fall 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 & 4×4 truck).

Start date: Pending

End date: Pending

Pay: $18/hr

For more information, contact Matt Hewitt, [e-mail] or Caitlin Camp, [e-mail]

Other Information

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at sulross.edu/udps. The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing [e-mail]

About SRSU

Our campuses span a fascinating part of Texas—Alpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border. Sul Ross State University offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. For more information about how we’re strategizing for the future, visit www.sulross.edu

Is Background Check Required?

Yes