Job DescriptionTPWD MISSIONTo manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.
Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. Part-time experience credit is prorated based on the duration and hours worked per week. Please indicate hours worked for part-time/temporary/seasonal experience. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.
Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields. If education is used to meet the minimum requirements of the job posting, a copy of a college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be provided if you are selected for an interview.
WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBSAPPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:Job ClassificationServiceMilitary SpecialtyNatural Resources Specialist I-V
Army
92W
Natural Resources Specialist I-V
Navy
AG, 180X, 680X
Natural Resources Specialist I-V
Coast Guard
MST, MSSR, OAR15
Natural Resources Specialist I-V
Marine Corps
6842, 6862, 6802, 8831
Natural Resources Specialist I-V
Air Force
1W0X1, 9S100, 15WX
*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below:
https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf
MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the
required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/.
Required forms that will need to be attached with application for Military Employment Preference: - Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).
- Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
- Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
- Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty- Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.
- Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household- Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.
Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.BENEFITS:Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, telework, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return to Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.
Click HERE to view our Benefits page.HIRING CONTACT: Beth Bendik, (512) 389-8521
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Science and Policy, TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Aquatic Resources Permitting and Consultation Program Leader, the Conservation Ecologist performs natural resources work, integrating multidisciplinary information to evaluate potential project impacts to natural resources on multiple scales. Conducts site visits and performs technical data collection, evaluations, and site surveys as needed. Analyses data, coordinates comments, prepares recommendations, and formulates Department response on proposed developments in waters and wetlands of the State for the purpose of natural resource conservation. Participates in planning and monitoring of environmental studies for interagency efforts on projects such as proposed reservoirs and federal watershed studies. Participates in development and maintenance of TPWD databases. Represents TPWD in meetings with project sponsors; State, local and federal agencies; and private citizen groups. Reviews and develops comments on proposed grants for recreational facilities, hazard mitigation and planning. Assists with developing environmental and review procedures for Department recreational grant programs. Participates in the Department's regulatory program over disturbance of State water bodies, to formulate guidance relative to sustainable riparian and riverine ecology and recreation. Coordinates information for public dissemination and facilitates the improvement of regulatory mandates and effectiveness. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.
Qualifications:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation with major course work in wetlands/wildlife conservation.
Experience:
NRS I: None
NRS II: Two years relevant experience.
NRS III: Six years relevant experience.
NRS IV: Ten years relevant experience.
Licensure:
Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class "C" Texas driver's license.
NOTE: Retention of position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Experience:
NRS II - IV: A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation with major course work in wetlands/wildlife conservation may substitute for one year of the required experience.
NRS II - IV: A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation with major course work in wetlands/wildlife conservation may substitute two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Master's degree or Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Wetlands Science or directly related field of natural resource conservation.
Experience:
Four years experience in habitat and natural resource impact assessment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
NRS I:
Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal ordinances and laws; chemical and biological analysis techniques and procedures; botany, ecology, taxonomy, and hydrology.
Knowledge of general ecology.
Knowledge of Freshwater and riparian flora and fauna, taxonomy, and associated habitat and environmental needs including hydrology
Knowledge of biological analysis techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances, laws, legislation, statutes, and regulations related to conservation of streams, wetlands, fish, and wildlife.
NRS II:
Knowledge of NRS I plus:
Knowledge of state and federal regulatory and permitting programs related to water, sand and gravel, hydropower, and wetlands.
Knowledge of advanced riverine and wetland ecology.
Knowledge of fluvial geomorphology.
Knowledge of advanced techniques and procedures.
NRS III:
Knowledge of NRS II plus:
Knowledge of environmental threats and techniques to minimize and avoid impacts.
Knowledge of field methods, equipment, and analyses for assessing ecosystem values, impacts, and compensation e.g. TXRAM (Texas Rapid Assessment Method) and SDAMs (Streamflow Duration Assessment Method).
NRS IV:
Knowledge of NRS II plus:
Knowledge of institutional, legal and public policy issues related to natural resource conservation, regulatory, and permitting programs
NRS I:
Skill in operating and maintaining environmental equipment including survey equipment and geographic positioning systems.
Skill in operating computer hardware and software including word processing, data management and analysis, and mapping and geographic information systems.
Skill in interacting and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, on technical issues to many groups including TPWD staff, the public, and scientific audiences.
Skill in basic statistical methods used for analyzing and interpreting natural resource data.
Skill in reviewing, interpreting, summarizing, and commenting on technical documents.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.
NRS II:Skills of NRS I plus:
Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.
NRS III:
Skills of NRS II plus:
Skill in assessing potential impacts to natural resources including assessment and interpretation of complex concepts and project descriptions.
NRS IV:
Skills of NRS III plus:
Skill in developing and refining procedures and processes for conservation, permitting and regulatory programs.
NRS I:
Ability to perform routine (journey-level) natural resources work.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
Ability to conduct surveys, studies, research, and write technically and proficiently.
Ability to contribute effectively and professionally as a member of a team.
Ability to work cooperatively with the public, project sponsors, consultants, and state and federal agencies.
Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS II:
Abilities of NRS I plus:
Ability to perform complex (journey-level) natural resources work.
Ability to accurately interpret and review project design and ecological management plans; aerial photography, satellite imagery, topographic and ecological maps; and natural resources data/modeling inputs and outputs.
Ability to critically review engineering design plans for environmental impacts.
Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS III:
Abilities of NRS II plus:
Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work.
Ability to effectively participate in alternatives analysis and conflict resolution negotiations.
Ability to participate independently in multi-agency review processes.
Ability to lead public comment hearings for Sand and Gravel permits.
Ability to coordinate site visits with TPWD staff, landowners, and other agencies.
Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS IV:
Abilities of NRS III plus:
Ability to perform advanced (senior-level) natural resources work.
Ability to coordinate project reviews, studies, and research related to conservation, regulatory and permitting programs
Ability to work effectively under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to coordinate with TPWD Legislative Liaison and be in direct contact with legislative staff as needed.
Ability to review high profile projects and coordinate with upper management.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Required to work from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Required to work overtime as necessary.
Required to perform work outdoors in rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to fully participate in water-based survey activities, including ability to swim.
This position is suitable to telework two days per week and the candidate may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
Required to operate a State vehicle.
Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
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