Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice in Wildlife Veterinary Science

Location: Kingsville, Texas, United States

Company

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a public university in South Texas conducting teaching, research, and community engagement through the Texas A&M University System.

What you will do

• Direct the establishment and ongoing operations of the CKWRI Ocelot Conservation Facility, a 30,000-square-foot complex scheduled for completion in fall 2026.
• Oversee facility resources, supervise the OCF Manager, and coordinate animal-care staff, scientists, students, agencies, and private collaborators.
• Develop and review operational protocols, permits, compliance processes, and animal-care procedures for ex situ ocelot breeding and rearing.
• Provide veterinary care and guidance for the facility and additional CKWRI wildlife research, including animal handling, anesthetic drugs, testing, and interpretation of results.
• Teach one graduate-level course in wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or a related area every other year.
• Develop an extramurally funded research program if a research appointment is negotiated.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent.
• Experience providing ex situ veterinary care to wild animals and managing ex situ animal care.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, communication skills, and ability to work with students, professionals, scientists, and public audiences.
• Ability to teach graduate-level wildlife nutrition, wildlife physiology, or a related subject.
• Passed NAVLE or NBE and CCT examinations.
• Texas veterinary licensure is required within 4 months of hire; DEA registration is required within 3 months of obtaining Texas licensure, and USDA Accreditation Category II status is required within 4 months of hire.

Nice to have

• Experience with non-domestic carnivores, especially wild felids, ex situ breeding programs, and reintroductions.
• Experience working with natural-resource agencies, tribal organizations, private landowners, and other stakeholders.
• MS or PhD in wildlife science, ecology, biology, animal science, or a related discipline.
• Board certification in zoologic medicine, veterinary preventive medicine, or a related specialty.
• Applied biological research experience demonstrated through publications, presentations, or other scholarly work.

Culture & Benefits

• Non-tenure-track, 9-month faculty appointment with summer salary support from CKWRI.
• Mission-driven academic environment focused on teaching, research, conservation, and student success.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and flexible spending benefits for eligible employees.
• Retirement options through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas or Optional Retirement Plan.
• Vacation, sick leave, paid birthday leave, and 12–15 paid holidays per year.
• Tuition assistance, book scholarships, professional development opportunities, and public service loan forgiveness.

Hiring process

• Submit an online application, cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and contact information for three professional references.
• Employment is contingent on credential verification, criminal history investigation, and other required institutional checks.
• The position requires export-control authorization before employment begins.