Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice in Wildlife Veterinary Science

Texas A&M University System•Kingsville, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Non-tenure track faculty position with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) and the Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences (RWSC) in the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). Serving in the capacity as Director, the successful candidate will oversee operations at the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility (OCF), a 30,000 square-foot state-of-the-art complex which is currently under construction on the TAMUK campus. Scheduled for completion in fall 2026, the facility will support ex situ breeding and rearing of ocelots, with the goal of augmenting the wild ocelot population through release of individuals reared at the facility. The successful candidate will engage with current efforts to establish operations, review or write protocols, review permits, and perform other foundational tasks necessary to ensure the facility’s success. The Director will supervise the OCF Manager while overseeing animal-care staff, managing facility resources, and ensuring timely and professional coordination with agency and private collaborators in support of conservation and research goals. In addition to serving as the Director of the OCF, the successful candidate will provide veterinary guidance to other CKWRI research endeavors, such as direction on best practices in animal handling and care, recommendations on anesthetic drugs, testing recommendations, and assistance in interpreting results. Acknowledging the substantial work required to direct a new facility and support CKWRI research, this position is listed at 87.5% service and administration. However, an official research appointment is negotiable depending on candidate interest, qualifications, and experience. The successful candidate will be expected to teach 1 graduate course in wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or related area every other year, fulfilling a 12.5% teaching expectation. Formally, the position will be a 9-month appointment with summer salary supported by the CKWRI to ensure uninterrupted service to the facility and CKWRI research endeavors.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, or the equivalent.
Experience providing ex situ veterinary care to wild animals.
Experience in ex situ animal management and care.
Demonstrated leadership potential, such as managing a team, chairing committees, or leading an initiative.
Ability to instruct courses in wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or related area, incorporating effective teaching techniques into classes.
Demonstrated ability to communicate with students, professionals, lay audiences, and scientists.
Passed the NAVLE or the NBE & CCT
Licensure in the state of Texas within 4 months of hire
DEA registration within 3 months of obtaining licensure in Texas
USDA Accreditation, Category II status within 4 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ex situ management and care of non-domestic carnivores, especially wild felids.
Experience with ex situ breeding programs and reintroductions.
Demonstrated ability to foster and sustain positive, working relationships with scientists, students, state, federal, tribal, and private natural resource agencies, and other stakeholders.
MS or PhD in wildlife science, ecology, biology, animal science, or a related discipline.
Board certification by the American College of Zoologic Medicine, the European College of Zoologic Medicine, the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, or related specialty.
Experience and engagement with applied biological research, demonstrated by inclusion in peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly materials.

Responsibilities

Oversee the establishment of, and operations at, the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility.
Work collaboratively with scientists, graduate students, agency personnel, and other stakeholders towards the goal of ocelot recovery.
Provide administrative support to CKWRI faculty and students as appropriate, such as with compliance-related topics (e.g. IACUC, management of controlled substances, etc.)
Provide veterinary care, oversight, and support to the OCF and in situ ocelot research at CKWRI.
Provide veterinary support to additional CKWRI research endeavors in collaboration with faculty and students.
Engage in professional service to the Department, College, and University as required.
Teach 1 graduate-level course in wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or related area every other year to meet the needs of the RWSC Department.
If a research appointment is negotiated, develop and lead an impactful, extramurally-funded program consistent with the appointment

Benefits

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
On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program
Book scholarships
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month
8 hours of sick leave per month
8 hours of paid Birthday leave
12-15 paid holidays per year.