Conservation Planner Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
TPWD MISSION
To 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.
HIRING CONTACT: Justin Fleury, (512) 3894367, Email: justin.fleury@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS:4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Planning and Geospatial Resources Manager, this position is responsible for performing state park planning and research services at the regional and statewide level. Responsibilities are comprised of developing Public Use Plans, Facility Development Plans and other types of formal park planning documents. Planning services include but are not limited to site and facility planning and programming, geographic information system (GIS)based analysis, project reviews, and providing formal presentations to advance park development projects. Interfaces with the Regional Coordinators and Programs, including Natural, Cultural, Interpretive and Maintenance Programs, the Infrastructure Division, and other entities as necessary to ensure an integrated park planning effort. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Experience:
Planner II:
One year of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning.
Planner III:
Two years of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning;
Two years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Adobe Graphic Design software or closely related system.
NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.
Licensure:
Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class "C" state driver's license.
NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:
Education:
One additional year of the required experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning may substitute for 30 hours of the required education with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours.
Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography, Regional Planning, Urban Design or closely related field, may substitute for one year of the required experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography, Regional Planning, Environmental Design or Urban Design.
Experience:
Planner II:
One year of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Graphic Design software;
Planner III:
Three years of professional landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning;
Three years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Graphic Design Software.
NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Planner II:
Knowledge of landscape architectural and engineering design practices related to outdoor recreation facility development;
Knowledge of public use and maintenance standards for outdoor recreation facilities;
Knowledge of digital cartography, GIS landscape analysis, and computer aided drafting (CAD);
Knowledge of principles, objectives, and procedures of planning, programming, and research for a governmental agency;
Planner III:
Knowledge of Planner II; PLUS:
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and policies as they relate to facility development and park operations, including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA);
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and polices related to natural, cultural and historic resources, and their impact on park planning efforts;
Knowledge of governmental organizations, outdoor recreation programs, and statewide environmental issues;
Planner II:
Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint);
Skill in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop);
Skill in using ArcGIS by ESRI (or similar software);
Skill in using AutoCAD by Autodesk or equivalent computer drafting software;
Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
Planner III:
Skills of Planner II; PLUS:
Skill in weighing the relative costs and benefits of a potential action;
Skill organizing and leading multiple projects with numerous stakeholders;
Skill in making independent, sound, and timely decisions;
Skill in writing and preparing concise reports and documents;
Planner II:
Ability to provide planning services for facility development and/or resource management projects;
Ability to conduct geographic analysis using GIS to evaluate site specific, regional, and statewide data;
Ability to work as a member of a team;
Ability to review design and construction documents;
Ability to conduct research;
Planner III:
Abilities of Planner II; PLUS:
Ability to develop planning reports and presentations so State Park leadership can make informed and strategic decisions regarding park development and resource conservation projects;
Ability to effectively organize and conduct public meetings and workshops with multiple stakeholders;
Ability to perform advanced planning and research work;
Ability to make compelling presentations to various groups of all sizes;
Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
Required to work overtime, as necessary;
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures;
Required to travel 15% with possible overnight stays;
Required to operate a State vehicle;
Nonsmoking environment in all State buildings and vehicles.
PLEASE NOTE:
All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attached RÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:

• Job title,
• Employer name,
• Dates of employment (month/year),
• If employment is less than fulltime status, indicate parttime in the work history section or résumé, and
• Description of duties performed.
  NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT:

• College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).
• "N/A" may be entered in fields that are not applicable.
• Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

Work In Texas (WIT) Applicants:

• WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.
• To complete these questions, log in to CAPPS Candidate Gateway .
• If you need assistance creating a résumé, please refer to the "Create a Résumé" link for Job Seekers on the Work In Texas website .

If the required information and attachments are not submitted as noted above, your application will be considered incomplete.
EXCELLENT 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, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a ReturntoWork Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.
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 activeduty 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.
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
TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER