Manager, Ocelot Conservation Facility

Texas A&M - Kingsville • Kingsville, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ocelot Conservation Facility Manager, under general supervision, oversees animal care technicians and coordinates activities related to the health care and management of wild felids and their prey for teaching, research, and conservation purposes. This role manages animal care, commissary, and veterinary operations (excluding the Staff Veterinarian), and ensures compliance, welfare, and sustainability of the animal collection.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or similar degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of related experience in care of non-domestic species, preferably wild felids.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with wildlife conservation programs and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with veterinary medical care and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates care of wild felid species and prey populations, including daily husbandry and welfare monitoring.
• Oversees commissary operations, including animal feed preparation, inventory, and ordering of supplies.
• Ensures proper nutrition, enrichment, training, and sustainability practices are implemented.
• Maintains accurate inventory and tracking of all animals within the facility.
• Participates in routine animal care and maintenance activities as needed.
• Supervises animal care technicians, including recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating performance.
• Provides coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Develops and manages staff schedules, including weekend and holiday coverage.
• Assigns and monitors daily work activities and special projects.
• Implements and manages the Felid Health Program in accordance with USDA standards and established Standard Operating Procedures
• Ensures compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species permits.
• Maintains adherence to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols.
• Ensures compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Scientific Research Permits.
• Monitors facility operations to maintain accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Oversees animal intake, transfers, housing assignments, and departures.
• Coordinates all aspects of animal movement from initial contact through placement.
• Ensures appropriate housing and environmental conditions are maintained or improved.
• Assists researchers with project development and acquisition of animals.
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to support research initiatives.
• Provides learning opportunities and hands-on training for students in Veterinary Technology and Wildlife Sciences programs.
• Supports special projects and operational needs of the facility.
• Assists with additional duties to ensure continuity of care and facility operations.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager