Agency

Department

About Texas A&M University–Kingsville

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.

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Position Overview

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care & Facility Operations

• 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.

Staff Supervision and Management          

• 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.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• 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.

Animal Coordination and Logistics           

• 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.

Research and Educational Support        

• 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.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Supports special projects and operational needs of the facility.

• Assists with additional duties to ensure continuity of care and facility operations.

• 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. 

Required Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or similar degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Experience – Five years of related experience in care of non-domestic species, preferably wild felids. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience – Experience with wildlife conservation programs and regulatory compliance.

• Experience – Experience with veterinary medical care and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal care and husbandry practices 

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills 

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively 

• Knowledge of office software applications 

Other Requirements

Physical Requirement

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat. 

• Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

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

• This position may require up to __10__% (specify percentage) or more travel 

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends 

• This position may direct and/or evaluate the work of others 

• This position requires work beyond normal office hours and on weekends as needed. 

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

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 & Benefits

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

  • $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

Additional Information

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.

Application Instructions

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.