Agency
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Department
Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Kingsville, Texas
Job Type
Faculty
Job Description
Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution’s 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.
Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.
For more information, click here .
CKWRI is a privately funded research unit at TAMUK that has provided science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of Texas wildlife and rangelands for over 40 years. The successful applicant will work alongside an established and award-winning team of ~30 faculty and research staff who work with ~55 M.S. and Ph.D. students to support innovative and applied research in partnership with numerous non-government organizations, state and federal agencies, and private landowners across the state. As faculty members of the RWSC Department, CKWRI Scientists mentor, educate, and provide hands-on experiences to ~150 undergraduate students, playing a critical role in developing the next generation of wildlife professionals. Faculty and students alike enjoy small class sizes at TAMUK, which serves ~7,000 students and stands as the oldest continuously operating public institution of higher learning in South Texas.
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.
Administration
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.)
Service
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.
Teaching
Other Duties
If a research appointment is negotiated, develop and lead an impactful, extramurally-funded program consistent with the appointment
The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.
Education – Applicants must have earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, or the equivalent.
Experience – Experience providing ex situ veterinary care to wild animals.
Experience – Experience in ex situ animal management and care.
Experience – Demonstrated leadership potential, such as managing a team, chairing committees, or leading an initiative.
Experience – Ability to instruct courses in wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or related area, incorporating effective teaching techniques into classes.
Experience – Demonstrated ability to communicate with students, professionals, lay audiences, and scientists.
Required Licenses and Certifications
Applicants must have 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.
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.
Aligned with the experience and qualifications listed above, we are seeking applicants with the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of wild animal veterinary medicine, including compliance regulations.
Skilled in providing veterinary care and managing wild animals ex situ, particularly non-domestic carnivores and felids.
Ability to oversee operation management of a facility and coordinate among diverse stakeholders.
Strong leadership and management skills, including team management.
Effective teaching skills for graduate-level courses, whether in the classroom or in the field/clinic.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to use these skills to facilitate a collaborative environment for research and learning.
Other Requirements and Factors
This position is security sensitive
This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:
A welcoming campus community
Opportunities for professional development
Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals
Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here .
4DX : TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here
Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change’s Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here .
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, professional growth, and financial security.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
With our generous benefit package , robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.
Insurance:
Medical
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:
Work Life Solutions:
Tuition Benefits:
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.
A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual’s expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual’s current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university’s ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.
Qualified applicants should submit a (1) cover letter, specifically addressing interest in the position, (2) a detailed vita stating education, experience, and qualifications, and (3) three professional references including names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers. Address referrals and questions regarding the position to Dr. Ashley Tanner.
Dr. Ashley Tanner, Chair of Search Committee
MSC 218, 700 University Blvd.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas 78363-8202
[email protected]
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:
- Completed online application
- Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Contact information for 3 professional references
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
