Entry Level Conservation Biology Jobs (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: Trestan Bryant, 7372306536, trestan.bryant@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory 483 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX 77843
GENERAL DESCRIPTION :
Under the direction of TPWD's Wildlife Health Specialist and the Assistant Section Head of Serology at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, this position performs entrylevel to routine (journeylevel) laboratory work. Responsible for processing tissues harvested from cervid species (e.g., deer and elk) for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) diagnostic testing. This position will be stationed at TVMDL in College Station and will work under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all rules, regulations and procedures of TPWD and TVMDL.
NOTE: This position will be stationed at TVMDL in College Station under the direction of TPWD's Big Game Program Specialist while the immediate supervisor will be the Assistant Section Head of Serology. A rabies vaccination is required to work in this field, however, TPWD will help facilitate this after hire if the candidate does not already have one.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Education :
Graduation from High School or GED.
Experience :
Seasonal Lab Tech I Tier A: No experience required.
Seasonal Lab Tech I Tier B: One season as a TPWD CWD seasonal field or lab technician.
Seasonal Lab Tech I Tier C: Two seasons as a TPWD CWD seasonal field or lab technician.
Licensure :
Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid State driver's license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Education :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with or working towards a Bachelor's degree in Biological Science.
Experience :
Experience preparing diagnostic samples using sharp instruments.
Experience as a TPWD Wildlife Division seasonal.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge of chronic wasting disease.
Knowledge of deer anatomy.
Knowledge of deernecropsy techniques.
Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.
Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques.
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Skill in the operation and maintenance of laboratory and research equipment.
Skill in performing mathematical computations.
Skill in the use of computers and applicable software.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with coworkers and workrelated contacts.
Skill in providing exceptional customer service.
Skill in meeting deadlines.
Ability to collate data and organize work environment.
Ability to work under stressful conditions.
Ability to observe and record biological data.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare written correspondence.
Ability to be an effective and productive team member.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
Required to work 40 hours per week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MondayFriday.
Required to work overtime as necessary.
Required to take a preexposure rabies vaccination series; costs are covered by TPWD Wildlife Division.
Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
Nonsmoking environment in 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