Field Research Operations Associate

Job Title

Field Research Operations Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Blucher

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE
The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is inviting applications for a Field Research Operations Associate.  This position will work as part of an integrated research operations team.  The candidate selected will have demonstrated experience in the civil trades and an ability to perform the physical requirements of the position. The candidate will learn all aspects of the environmental, meteorological, and oceanographic data collection including the installation, maintenance, and repair of stations and systems installed in remote locations along the Gulf Coast.  This position is contingent upon external funding.

WHO WE ARE
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) is a vibrant, Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution that has attained Carnegie R2 status as a doctoral university with high research activity.  TAMU-CC is a regional university that proudly provides a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty, and highly rated degree programs since 1947.  The university has a heritage of teaching excellence with innovation in research and community engagement as part of the distinguished Texas A&M System. TAMU-CC is the only university in the nation located on its own island and is at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. With palm tree lined pathways throughout the campus, nearby natural wetlands, a scenic hike-and-bike trail and pristine views of the beach and bays, TAMU-CC is a first-choice institution.

The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science (CBI) at TAMU-CC is a collaborative research environment utilizing geospatial science to support data driven decision making.  The institute’s research laboratories develop innovative solutions informed by precise measurements honoring the legacy of the Blucher family and their commitment to surveying and science.  CBI pushes the boundaries of geospatial science by applying cutting edge technologies to map, measure, collect and manage big data used to predict our physical environment.

DESCRIPTION
Functional Area 1: Research Operations
Percent Effort: 75%

• Safely operates university vehicles/vessels/machinery or rental vehicles/vessels/machinery in support of field operations.
• Performs tasks related to mobilization and demobilization in accordance with established laboratory and operational procedures.
• Assists with the installation, maintenance, and operation of environmental data collection stations along the Gulf Coast.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools to perform necessary work.
• Assists with the deployment of various types of data collection systems, sensors, and components.
• Performs field activities in extreme weather conditions (hot or cold) and may require duties to be performed from a vessel.

Functional Area 2: Instrumentation
Percent Effort: 15%

• Assists with setup and testing various types of electronic data collection systems, sensors, and components.  
• Utilizes software packages to configure, calibrate, and test various instruments
• Assists in identifying issues and performing corrective actions to restore proper function of sensors and systems.
• Learns to review data on dedicated web platforms to monitor and ensure data quality and system performance.
• Assists in operations lab processes including inventory, calibration, sensor handling, etc.

Functional Area 3: Teamwork & Collaboration
Percent Effort: 10%

• Builds relationships with colleagues both within and outside of the institute.
• Develops a basic understanding of the work conducted by the institute.
• Utilizes resources, asks questions, and troubleshoots to complete job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Boating experience and willingness to obtain necessary training/certifications.

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including extended overnight travel and work outside of normal business hours.

• Skilled in using hand and power tools including measuring, cutting, and basic assembly tasks
• Proven ability to follow spoken or written instructions.
• Experience working outdoors in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, sun, wind, and rough terrain
• Physical ability to:

• • Walk up to 3 miles while carrying up to 20 pounds.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Sit, stand, bend, twist, and maneuver in small spaces, on vessels, and on offshore buoys.

• Ability to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within three (3) months of employment and retain credentials during the course of employment.
• Excellent task management and organization skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• High level of articulation and professionalism.

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving.

• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance.
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively.

• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload and competing deadlines.
• Genuine care for workplace wellbeing including what is physical and tangible and those unseen contributions that facilitate an efficient and effective work environment.
• Position requires extensive travel, to off-site locations, for the performance of job duties, which may include work outside of normal business hours.  Field activities often occur in extreme weather conditions (hot or cold) and may require duties to be performed from a vessel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with electronic sensors, data collection systems, or field instrumentation.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring technologies or data loggers.
• Basic knowledge of software tools for configuring or testing instrumentation (e.g., Campbell Scientific, Vaisala, or similar).

• Experience interpreting wiring diagrams and assembly instructions from equipment manufacturers.

• Understanding data quality control and basic troubleshooting procedures.
• Open water dive certified.

SALARY:  Up to $3,750 Monthly (Up to $45,000 Annually, Approximately)

This a grant-funded position. Continued employment contingent upon available funding.

NOTE:Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an 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

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness
• Book scholarships
• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

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.