Job Title

Instructor in Animal/Meat Science & Intercollegiate Judging Coordinator

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Animal Science

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Department of Animal Science, within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Instructor in Animal/Meat Science and Intercollegiate Judging Coordinator. This position offers an opportunity to provide high-quality instruction, hands-on experience, and industry interaction, while coordinating the department’s intercollegiate judging program with a focus on meat judging. The role also provides a chance to shape the future of aspiring meat scientists and professionals, representing the program at the highest level in the competitive world of meat and livestock judging, and enhancing both academic and professional development.

This is a 12-month non-tenure-track position located on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Summer appointment is dependent upon need and funding availability. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to teach at other campuses or online at the institution’s discretion. Must have the ability to work remotely at the request of the university in times of inclement weather or other special circumstances. This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship. 

 

This position involves teaching meat evaluation principles and techniques, preparing students for intercollegiate judging competitions, and fostering a high-performance, competitive team environment. Additional responsibilities include undergraduate recruitment and assisting with summer outreach programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in meat science, judging, and coaching, with a passion for mentoring students and advancing their skills in the meat and livestock industry. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, mentor undergraduate students, and participate in the necessary operation of the institution.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 
 

80% Teaching and Service:  

Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students in animal and meat science, meat evaluation, and judging, which may include general education core curriculum. 

Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc. 

Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements. 

Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning. 

Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring. 

Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities. 

Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.  

Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.  

Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement. 

Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, outreach programs for the department, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty. 

 

20% Coordinator:  

Coordinate activities for additional collegiate judging and competitive academic events (i.e. livestock and horse judging, quiz bowl, academic quadrathlon, CDE contests).

Prepare and coach students for national and intercollegiate meat judging competitions.

Mentor students on developing critical skills such as meat grading, carcass evaluation, and market identification.

Collaborate with industry professionals to enhance the program and provide students with real-world experiences.

Contribute to the continued growth and success of the program through curriculum development and assessment.

Oversee the operation of the intercollegiate meat judging team, including travel and competition logistics.

Minimum Requirements: 

Earned masters degree in animal science, meat science, or a related field from an accredited university. 

Demonstrated experience in meat judging, meat science, or related areas.

Previous coaching or teaching experience in a collegiate or competitive environment is required.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities; strong organizational and leadership skills; ability to interact with students, staff, faculty and industry partners in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner. 

**Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience***  

Application Procedure: 

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 the "Submit" action. 

Employment applications must include (required): 

Completed online application 

Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications  

Curriculum Vitae or Resume 

At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information 

Unofficial transcripts 

Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service.

Philosophy Statement related to Teaching

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date June 1, 2025. 

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued. 

 

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.