Range and Wildlife Technician

JOB Summary

The East Foundation is seeking technicians for the Fall session. The technicians are expected to participate in the major facets of the Foundation’s research program (i.e., range research, wildlife research, and education). The goal of this position is to equip future natural resource managers or researchers with technical skills in vegetation survey methods, grassland plant identification, wildlife handling, sample collection for wildlife, data collection and management, as well as equipment safety and navigation of field sites. We also hope to provide a background and understanding of the range of roles and wildlife managers play in a large-scale working cattle operation.

Location: Based at San Antonio Viejo Ranch, located in Jim Hogg County, Texas (45 minutes south of Hebbronville); potentially working on all Foundation properties throughout South Texas

Salary: $16 per hour. Housing is provided on the San Antonio Viejo ranch. This is a temporary position that does not exceed 40 hours per week and has no health or retirement benefits.

Start Date:  September 8, 2026

End Date: November 20, 2026

Last Date to Apply:  July 24, 2026

The start and end dates are flexible within one week of the date listed, and the East Foundation will assist successful applicants in any way to receive university credit for the appropriate term(s).

Job Summary

The East Foundation wildlife technicians will assist with:

  • Vegetation surveys for forage standing crop, vegetation composition, cover, and structure (50% of time)
    • Technicians will gain skills in plant identification and vegetation sampling methods (plot sampling for biomass, cover, and composition). In addition, interns will be taught basic GPS skills.
  • Deer captures and other wildlife-related activities, etc. (40% of time)
    • Technicians will gain hands-on experience with live deer captures on 5 weekends from October to November. (Duties may include: safe transport of white-tailed deer, sampling potentially including blood, fecal, and tissue sampling, as well as ear tagging and morphological measurements, safe release of white-tailed deer).
    • Other potential opportunities include assisting with owl surveys (Ferruginous Pygmy owls, U.S. listed as threatened species, conducting call-back surveys), northern bobwhite quail baiting/trapping (banding, weighing, aging, sexing), taking samples during exotic harvests, and helping with graduate student projects as needed.
  • Education and outreach activities (10% of time)
    • Technicians will help the East Foundation education team with field lessons for school-age children, focusing on range and wildlife conservation. This may include leading lessons or assisting in education.

If the opportunity presents itself, interns will gain skills in range or wildlife research project development, data collection, and data management.

    In addition to the duties described above, East Foundation technicians may be asked to assist with managing facilities, infrastructure, security, and service, and in administrative processes.

    Qualifications

    Juniors, seniors, or 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.

    • Successful candidates must maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license. 
    • Applicants must provide personal transportation to the ranch. An East Foundation vehicle will be provided for work. 
    • Applicants are subjected to background checks. 

    To Apply

    Please send the following documents to hr@eastfoundation.net with “Wildlife Internship” 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 – include all skills and proficiencies, volunteer experience, and/or other accomplishments.
    • Three references (contact information only)
    • A copy of your current college transcript.  Applicants may submit an unofficial copy.

    Contact

    HR Department

    hr@eastfoundation.net

    Available Positions

    Quail Research Technician