Assistant/Associate Professor, Wildlife Veterinary Science

Job Description

Job Summary

Tenure-trackfacultyposition(rankdependingonqualifications)withtheCaesar KlebergWildlifeResearchInstitute (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 be primarily responsible for managing the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility, a 30, square-foot state-of-the-art complex which is currently under constructionon the TAMUK campus.Scheduled for completion in May , the facility will support exsitu breeding and rearingof the federally endangered ocelot, with the goal of augmenting the wild ocelot population through release of individuals reared at the facility.Immediately upon starting, the successful candidate will helpestablish operations, write protocols, review permits, and perform other foundational tasks necessary to ensure thefacility’s success.As facility manager, the successful candidate will oversee animal-care staff, manage facility resources, and ensure timely and professional coordination with all agency and private collaborators in support of conservation and research goals.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to provide veterinary support to and collaborate on CKWRI research endeavors, and will be encouraged to develop a research program in wildlife physiology, behavior, and/or health. Acknowledging the substantial work required to manage a new facility and support CKWRI research, this position is being listed at 85% service, however an official research appointment is negotiable depending on candidate interest and experience. The successful candidate will also be expected to teach 1 graduate course in wildlife nutrition or wildlife physiology annually, fulfilling a15% teaching expectation.Formally, the position will be considered a 9-month appointment consistent with most faculty positions,however summer salary will be supported by the CKWRI to ensure uninterrupted service to the facility and research endeavors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the establishment of and operations at the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility on the TAMUK campus.

• Work collaboratively with scientists, graduate students, private landowners, agency personnel, and others towards the goal of ocelot recovery.

• Provide veterinary support toCKWRI research endeavors in collaboration with faculty and students.

• If a research appointment is negotiated, develop and leadan impactful, extramurally-fundedprogramconsistent with the appointment,

• Teach1graduate-levelcourseannuallytomeettheneedsoftheRWSC Department.

• Engage in professional service totheDepartment,College,andUniversityasrequired.

Required Education and Experience

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from an AAVMC accredited university; licensed or ability to be licensed in the state of Texas.

• Experience providing veterinary care to wild animalsexsitu and insitu.

• Experience in exsitu animal management and care, specifically withcarnivores.

• Demonstrated leadership potential, such as managing a team, chairing committees, or leading an initiative.

• Ability to instruct courses in wildlife nutrition and physiology, incorporating effective teaching techniques into classes.Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 graduate-level hours in wildlife science,animal science,biology, veterinary science, or similar disciplines.

• Demonstratedabilitytocommunicatewithstudents,professionals,layaudiences,andscientists.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the ex-situ management and care of wild felids.

• Experience with ex-situ breeding programs and reintroductions.

• Demonstratedability to foster and sustain positive, working relationships withprivatelandowners,scientists,students,andstate,federal,andprivate natural resourceorganizations.

• Demonstrated potential to attract extramuralfunding.

• 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.

• Evidenceofinnovative and applied biological research,demonstratedby arecordof peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly materials.

CKWRI, RWSC, and TAMUK: 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 join an established and award-winning team of ~30faculty and research staff who work with ~55 M.S. and Ph.D. students to conduct 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 scientistsmentor, educate, and provide hands-on experiences to ~ undergraduate students, playing a critical role in developing the next generation of wildlife professionals. Faculty and students alike enjoy small class sizes at TAMUK, a small Hispanic-Serving Institution serving ~7, students and the oldest, continuously operating public institution of higher learning in South Texas.

Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25, that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi (population: ~,) and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is miles to the south at Brownsville or miles to the west at Laredo. The region boasts world-class fishing, hunting, and birding, access to the longest, undeveloped barrier island in the world (Padre Island National Seashore), and a friendly, diverse community rich in history and culture.

Application: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, specifically addressing interest in the position including teaching and research, (2) a detailed vita stating education, experience, and qualifications,(3)copiesoftranscriptsfromallcollegesattended,and(4)threeprofessionalreferencesincludingnames,e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers. Address referrals and questions regarding the position toDr. Ashley Tanner.

Dr. Ashley Tanner, Chair of Search Committee

MSC , University Blvd.

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, Texas -

Closing: August 15, 5 or until a qualified candidate is identified. Starting date negotiable, preferJanuary5.

Prior to issuing a letter of appointment, official transcripts must be received directly from each degree-granting institution by the Office of the Provost, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, MSC , Kingsville, Texas -. However, for review of application, applicants may submit unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended directly to the search committee chair as instructed above.

TAMUK is an