Job Information
Texas A&M University Assistant Director, Texas Native Seeds in Houston, Texas
Job Title
Assistant Director, Texas Native Seeds
Agency
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Department
Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Houston, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
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 (https://www.tamuk.edu/about/index.html) .
Position Overview
The Assistant Director of Texas Native Seeds (TNS), under general direction, assists in leading and supervising the Coastal Prairies project. This position oversees daily operations of facilities, research sites, and demonstration projects across state, federal, and private lands. The role maintains strong partnerships with landowners and agencies while supporting technical initiatives, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning. The position is headquartered in Edna, Texas.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Partnerships
Manages and maintains collaborative relationships with agencies and private sector partners.
Represents TNS at events, functions, and on state and national committees.
Maintains engagement with landowners and stakeholders.
Oversee spending and budget management.
Plans and direct construction and large purchases.
Provide data for organization planning.
Serves as a member of the project management team.
Operations and Facilities Management
Oversee management and operations of TNS facilities and research plots on public and private lands.
Ensures effective facility operations, maintenance, and scheduling.
Reports infrastructure needs and supports budget planning.
Evaluates field operations and prepares reports.
Performs field work including equipment operation, herbicide, and irrigation applications.
Manage greenhouse production activities.
Project and Personnel Management
Serves as liaison for operations including personnel, research, purchasing, and fundraising.
Directs and evaluates schedules and productivity of staff and student technicians.
Oversee TNS research projects ensuring implementation and completing data collection and reporting.
Communication and Outreach
Assists in writing and distributing reports, publications, proposals, and outreach materials.
Supports educational and engagement efforts with external stakeholders.
Meets with landowners and managers to provide technical expertise.
Functions as the main contact for TNS within the Coastal Prairies project region
Other Duties
- Functions as the main contact for TNS within the Coastal Prairies project region
Required Qualifications
Education – Bachelor’s degree in Range and Wildlife Management or closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience - Six years of related experience in Texas flora and applied and scientific habitat restoration practices
Required Licenses and Certifications
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Range and Wildlife Management or related field.
Experience in habitat restoration and native seed production
Experience managing multi-partner projects or research projects.
Experience in grant writing and fundraising.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of farm operations, land management, and restoration practices
Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software
Strong communication and customer service skills
Ability to work independently and manage complex projects
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic environment
Proficiency in data management, analysis, and reporting tools
Familiarity with laboratory, field, and technical equipment
Other Requirements
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat
Ability to move up to 50 lbs with assistance
Ability to move light, medium or heavy objects with assistance.
Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment safely
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 25% (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 is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance
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 (https://www.tamuk.edu/strategicplan/_docs/Strategic-Plan_2025-2027.pdf) .
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 (https://www.tamuk.edu/strategicplan/4DX.html) .
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 (https://www.tamuk.edu/pes/caring-campus.html) .
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 (https://assets.system.tamus.edu/files/benefits/website/BenefitsGuide.pdf) , 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.