Location: This position is based at the El Sauz Ranch, 20 minutes east of Raymondville, and will include work on East Foundation properties throughout South Texas.
Salary: Compensation is $16.50 per hour and includes housing on the El Sauz Ranch.
Start and End Date: January 2, 2026–May 15, 2026
Last Date to Apply: August 31, 2025
Description:
East Foundation promotes the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education. We manage over 217,000 acres of South Texas native rangeland, operated as six separate ranches in Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, and Willacy counties. The lands were bestowed on us through the generous gift of the East family in 2007. To honor their legacy, we uphold their vision and values that were established more than a century ago.
Together with its research partners, East Foundation is collecting data on ocelot population size, survival and mortality, movements and activity, prey abundance and food habits, habitat use, and competition with other carnivores to solidify recovery strategies.
East Foundation uses a suite of research tools such as live trapping, radio and GPS telemetry (tracking collars), camera trapping, small mammal prey monitoring, and scat (dung) collection, semen collection and analysis to populate key knowledge gaps related to ocelot conservation on private lands.
The East Foundation is seeking Ocelot Research technicians for the upcoming 2025-2026 field season. Technicians are expected to participate in all facets of the Foundation, including Programs, Field Operations, Ranch Operations, and Administration.
Responsibilities include:
- Using VHF telemetry to monitor GPS-collared cats (including bobcats)
- Responding to mortality alerts, retrieving carcasses, and assisting with necropsies
- Preparing and maintaining equipment and supplies throughout the trapping season
- Managing a trapline of ≥40 traps
- Assisting with data and sample collection of captured cats
- Management of long-term database
In addition to the duties described above: The East Foundation interns can expect to assist with the education and outreach program; management of facilities, infrastructure, security, and service; and in administrative processes.
Qualifications:
Graduates in Wildlife and Range Management, Natural Resources, or related degree programs are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be an honest, self-motivated person with a strong work ethic. Applicants should possess strong people skills, leadership qualities, and communication abilities. This position will require working long hours in adverse conditions and lifting objects greater than 50 lbs. Applicants must be able to use software such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, in addition to basic computer skills. Additionally:
- Successful candidates must maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Applicants must provide personal transportation to the ranch. East Foundation will provide a vehicle for work.
- Applicants are subjected to background checks.
To Apply:
Please send the following documents to cpavlicek@eastfoundation.net with “Ocelot Research Technician” in the subject line:
- A 1–2 page statement of interest – describe your background, pertinent experiences and interests, accomplishments, and how this internship will benefit you.
- Full resume or curriculum vita – include skills and proficiencies, work and volunteer experiences, and other accomplishments.
- Three references (contact information only)
- A copy of your current college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy.
Contact:
Cindy Pavlicek, Chief of Staff
cpavlicek@eastfoundation.net
