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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.

For more information, click here.

Position Overview

Tenure-track faculty position (open-rank tenure track position) with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) in the Department of Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences (RWSC) and Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. This endowed chair position includes expectations of developing an extramurally funded research program focused on quail ecology and management (75%), teaching 1 graduate and 1 undergraduate level course (25%), and will be a 9-month appointment with potential for summer salary. We seek an accomplished scholar to lead an impactful and dynamic quail and upland gamebird research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate student academic growth using the best practices in teaching and mentorship, and extend results to stakeholders, society, and the scientific community. The Glassell Chair in Quail Research will work closely with faculty including other upland gamebird scientists at CKWRI and will have access to a variety of resources to support quail research. Initial salary shall be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• Develop and lead an impactful, dynamic, and extramurally funded quail and upland gamebird research program, with a focus in Texas commensurate with a 75% research appointment.
• Engage in scholarly activities appropriate to the discipline, contributing to the university’s research mission.

Teaching

• Teach 1 graduate-level and 1 undergraduate-level course annually
• Maintain high standards of teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

Service

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research and professional development.
• Engage in professional service within the Department, College, and University.

Other Duties

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Education

Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife science, rangeland science, or closely related field from an accredited university.

• Evidence of innovative and applied research within wildlife or rangeland sciences, quail/upland gamebird management and ecology, ornithology, or ecology demonstrated by a record of producing manuscripts, presentations, and other scholarly materials.
• A dedication to teaching and the ability to instruct courses in wildlife and rangeland ecology and management, incorporating new technologies and teaching techniques into classes. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 graduate-level hours in wildlife and rangeland science or similar disciplines related to ecosystem management.
• Demonstrated potential to attract extramural funding.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with students, professionals, lay audiences, and other scientists.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting research on upland gamebirds in working landscapes.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and sustain positive, working relationships with private landowners, other faculty, students, and state, federal, tribal, and private natural resource organizations.
• Postdoctoral experience which may include University teaching and research

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong ability to communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and via media contributions

• Ability to build and sustain a nationally recognized research program through grantsmanship, graduate student recruitment and mentoring, and a strong professional presence.

• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders (e.g., private landowners, agency personnel) in South Texas and beyond

• Ability to positively and professionally interact with students, faculty, and staff

• Skilled in using various learning strategies to maintain teaching effectiveness

• Ability to advise, mentor, and guide students to promote student success

Other Requirements

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
• Qualified applicants should submit a (1) cover letter, (2) a statement of teaching and research philosophies, (3) detailed vita stating education, experience, and qualifications, (4) copies of transcripts from all colleges attended, and (5) three professional references including names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers.

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.

Address referrals and questions regarding the position to Dr. Jennifer Smith:

Dr. Jennifer Smith, Chair of Search Committee

MSC 218, 700 University Blvd.

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, Texas 78363-8202

Jennifer.Smith@tamuk.edu

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
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (Faculty only)
• Teaching philosophy (Faculty Only-Optional)

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.

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.