Work Study Student: Fall 2026 | Habitat Field Crew |Restoration Technician

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University is dedicated to inspiring research, leadership, and innovation that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity. The Meadows Center fulfills its mission by integrating activities across four pillars of action in powerful ways. Our work in each of these pillars begins at Spring Lake – one of the largest artesian springs in the world – and ripples outward across Texas and beyond. 

The Meadows Center is seeking a student worker to assist the Ecological Research Group (ERG).  

Qualifications:  

• For safety reasons, applicants must be capable swimmers and comfortable working in and around water, as field duties regularly take place in aquatic environments. 
• Resume 
• School schedule 
• Proof of work study award 

This position is for August 16th - December 12th and is only available to students with a Fall work study award through Texas State University financial aid. See “Work Study Guide” in attachments for work study application instructions. Fall positions are currently pending.  

Requirements: 

• An active work study award through Texas State University financial aid  
• Must be able to swim competently 
• Must be comfortable working in water for long periods of time in variable weather conditions 
• Able to stay on task while working in a group or independently 
• Capable of repeatedly lifting 50lbs 
• Must be dependable and able to self-motivate 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• SCUBA certified 
• Experience with kayaks and paddle boards 
• Knowledge of local aquatic flora 
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS (Online & Pro) 
• Biology Majors (including Aquatic or Wildlife) and Geography Majors (including Environmental Studies) preferred 

General Description:  

Student technicians will primarily be assisting The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment with aquatic habitat restoration efforts on the San Marcos River in compliance with the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. There may also be opportunities to assist with research projects or other project tasks, depending on skills and general performance. These various projects are highly team-oriented; thus any potential candidates must be able to work in both large or small groups while effectively completing tasks associated with each. Field-based activities occur year-round in all types of weather (i.e. warm and sunny or cold and windy) technicians will be equipped with proper field gear but must be adaptable to the changing conditions of the environment. 

Work Schedule:  

Schedule will be determined based on the selected applicant's availability; however, candidates must be able to work 12–16 hours per week. 

Field shifts are offered Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and occur during the following times: 

Morning Shift: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Afternoon Shift: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Because this position involves off-campus field work, students must be available for the entire duration of a scheduled shift. Partial shift availability cannot be accommodated due to transportation and field logistics. 

Important: Applicants must have availability to work the full 8:00 AM–12:00 PM shift and/or the full 12:00 PM–4:00 PM shift. Applicants who are unavailable for the entire duration of at least one shift will not be considered for the position. 

Field interviews will be conducted in the San Marcos River for qualified applicants, and duties include but are not limited to: 

• Assist with grant management needs: fulfilling contract deliverables, contract reporting, grant applications, etc 
• Removal of non-native aquatic vegetation 
• Coordination and organization with Meadows Center personnel on volunteer events 
• Work in small group and individual settings responsibly 
• Aid in field work for other research projects as needed 
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor 
• For more info see: Habitat Field Crew 

Location 

Please note our location: http://www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/About/Contact-Us.html. Students driving their vehicle to work must have a Texas State parking permit. Students without a vehicle must have a reliable method of getting to work. Students may utilize the Bobcat Shuttle Route 23 - Post Road. The bus stop is located at the main entrance of The Meadows Center.  

Employee Evaluation Process 

Employees will be evaluated on their work output and ethics. Employees will be required to attend all scheduled shifts unless prior communication has been made with their direct supervisor.  All employees are required to follow university policy and procedures. The ability to gain $0.50/semester increase will be based on performance evaluations and at the end of each semester. 

Pay Rate Determination 

This pay rate of this position begins $14/hr for undergraduates ($16/hr for graduates) but may be subject to increase if preferred qualifications are met.  

Direct Supervisor  

This position is directly supervised by Thomas Heard, Deputy Director of Ecological Research Group.