Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice in Wildlife Veterinary Science

Texas A&M - Kingsville•Kingsville, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 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). The successful candidate will serve as the Director of the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility (OCF), a new state-of-the-art complex under construction, scheduled for completion in fall 2026. This facility will support ex situ breeding and rearing of ocelots to augment wild populations. The Director will oversee facility establishment and operations, including protocol development, permit review, animal care staff supervision, resource management, and collaboration with external partners. Additionally, the Director will provide veterinary guidance to other CKWRI research endeavors, including animal handling, anesthesia, testing, and interpretation of results. The position is primarily focused on service and administration (87.5%), with a negotiable research appointment based on candidate interest and qualifications. A teaching expectation of 1 graduate course every other year in wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or a related area (12.5%) is also included. The appointment is for 9 months, with summer salary supported by CKWRI.

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.