The Research Technician will need to have the abilities and/or interest in surveying and capturing and handling wildlife, habitat evaluation, leading a team of field researchers, field and GPS navigation, plant identification, and the ability to collect data on private land and communicate with landowners. Research objectives will be focused on evaluating the influence of land management and land use on upland gamebird survival, nest survival, brood survival, habitat selection, landscape genetics, and movement among landscapes associated with one of six separate study areas in Kansas.
The lead technician will be responsible for helping direct a field team of 2 seasonal technicians through the duties and responsibilities listed below.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Help direct a small team of 2-3 field technicians (30%)
• Survey areas for upland gamebirds (5%)
• Assist in gaining permission on private lands for research (10%)
• Assist with capturing, handling, and marking upland gamebirds with GPS and VHF transmitters (10%)
• Monitor marked birds for nests, broods, and mortalities (5%)
• Conduct vegetation surveys (20%)
• Enter data and perform basic QA/QC (10%)
• Communicate with private landowners regarding access (10%)
The Division of Biology at Kansas State University is composed of a dynamic group of tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, as well as a large number of postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, and support staff. All of these individuals are essential to accomplish the Division of Biology's mission, to generate and disseminate high-quality biological scientific knowledge through teaching, research, service, and outreach. The research, teaching, and service interests of these individuals are varied, spanning all areas of biological research, teaching and training at the postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels, as well as service and outreach contributions to the broader scientific community and the public.
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent). Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
• B.S. in Natural Resources, Biology, or equivalent field
• Positive working attitude, ability to work well with others
• Ability to provide motivation and daily structure for a team
• Aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Ability to follow established project protocols
• Ability to communicate effectively with project staff, collaborators, and private landowners
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail
• Ability to carry heavy loads over rough terrain in inclement weather
• Interest in applied wildlife conservation and growing as a wildlife professional
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license without restrictions
• Experience driving 4WD vehicles
• Experience driving UTVs and ATVs
• Experience holding a leadership role, or completion of a leadership development course
• Plant identification experience
• Wildlife capture and handling experience
• Proficient in field navigation
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: November 30, 2026
$14.90 - $16.00 per hour
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
K-State is implementing a compensation study. As a result, some staff jobs may receive an updated title and/or pay grade while maintaining their core responsibilities. Candidates selected for an offer will receive additional information as it becomes available.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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