Frances and Peter Swenson Endowed Chair in Rangeland and Restoration Research

Position: Tenure-track faculty position (rank depending on experience and qualifications), 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 (AGNR) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). We seek an accomplished scholar to develop and lead an impactful and dynamic rangeland and restoration 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 successful applicant will also collaborate with and support research needs of Texas Native Seeds, a statewide program developing native seed sources and native grassland restoration techniques throughout the state.

Closing: May 31, 2024 or until a qualified candidate is identified. Start date negotiable; prefer Fall 2024.

This endowed chair position includes expectations of developing an externally-funded research program focused on rangeland and restoration ecology (75%), teaching 1 graduate and 1 undergraduate level course (25%) per year, and will be a 9-month appointment with potential for summer salary. We welcome applications from professionals of all academic ranks. Initial salary and academic rank (assistant, associate, or full professor) shall be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an impactful, dynamic, and extramurally-funded rangeland and restoration research program commensurate with a 75% research appointment,
• Collaborate with Texas Native Seeds and support their growing native plant restoration research efforts in Texas,
• Teach 1 graduate-level and 1 undergraduate-level course annually (25%) to meet the needs of the Department,
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research and professional development,
• Engage in professional service within the Department, College, and University as needed.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in rangeland science, ecology, wildlife science, or related field from an accredited university.
• Evidence of innovative and applied research within rangeland and restoration ecology, demonstrated by a record of producing manuscripts, presentations, and other scholarly materials.
• Ability to instruct courses in rangeland management and restoration science, incorporating new technologies and teaching techniques into classes.
• Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 graduate-level hours in range and wildlife science, ecosystem management or restoration sciences.
• Demonstrated potential to attract extramural funding.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with students, professionals, lay audiences, and other scientists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting research on working lands.
• 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.

CKWRI, RWSC, and TAMUK: CKWRI is a privately funded research unit embedded within the College of AGNR 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 ~30 faculty 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’s scientists also 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, an Hispanic-Serving Institution serving ~7,000 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 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi (population: ~350,000) 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. The region boasts world-class fishing 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 (1) cover letter, (2) a statement of teaching and research philosophies, (3) a 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. Address referrals and questions regarding the position to Dr. J. Alfonso Ortega.

Dr. J. Alfonso Ortega, Chair of Search Committee
MSC 218, 700 University Blvd.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas 78363-8202
alfonso.ortega@tamuk.edu

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 102, Kingsville, Texas 78363-8202. 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.

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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.