Entry Level Wildlife Conservation Data Scientist Jobs in Austin, TX

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.

  
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 Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.

PLEASE NOTE: 

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include:

• Job Title

• Dates of employment (month/year)

• Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor Description of duties performed

• Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement.  Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements. 

• Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.

• College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) 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. 

• Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

• Resumes are encouraged as attachments but will not be used to determine eligibility

• Work In Texas (WIT) Applications: WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit.

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Army

68T, 64A

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Navy

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Coast Guard

MST, OAR15, SEI18

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Marine Corps

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Air Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Fish and Wildlife Technician I-III

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*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.

HIRING CONTACT: James Hoskins, (806) 420-0439, Email: james.hoskins@tpwd.texas.gov

These positions will start during the month of September, contact the hiring supervisor with questions.

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD Wildlife Field Operations/Region 1. All positions will be roving within District 1 and District 2.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Regional Wildlife Health Specialist, this position performs routine (journey-level) fish and wildlife conservation work and is responsible for collecting tissue samples from white-tailed deer, mule deer, and other cervids to be tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD).  Prepares and submits samples to diagnostic laboratory.  Collects other data from harvested deer and other cervids as requested.  May compile reports received from diagnostic laboratory and prepare reports for agency use and dissemination to the public.  Within the counties of the assigned District, position may focus on sample collection from roadkill, taxidermists, processors, cooperating ranches, CWD check stations, and other locations as required.  Work location will be determined by district need, considering selected applicant's work assignment preference.  May travel within the counties of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Wildlife District OR be assigned to a TPWD facility check point.  Works under moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. 

NOTE: The positions will be roving throughout the High Plains, Rolling Plains, and Trans Pecos ecoregions within TPWD Wildlife Division Districts 1 (Alpine) and 2 (Canyon).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

Seasonal FWT I Tier A: No experience required.

Seasonal FWT I Tier B: One season as a CWD Technician.

Seasonal FWT I Tier C: Two seasons as a CWD Technician. 

Licensure:       

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a class "C" Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with or working towards a Bachelor's degree in Biological Science.

Experience:

Experience performing necropsies on deer.

Experience working with hunters.

Experience pulling/hauling trailers.

Experience as a TPWD Wildlife seasonal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of white-tailed deer, mule deer, and other cervids.

Knowledge of chronic wasting disease.

Knowledge of deer anatomy.

Knowledge of deer-necropsy techniques.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

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 co-workers and work-related contacts.

Skill in providing customer service.

Skill in meeting deadlines.

Skill in making independent, sound, and timely decisions.

Skill in identifying, researching, and compiling information.

Skill in operating and maintaining equipment and specialized tools.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to work under extreme environmental conditions.

Ability to identify cervid species.

Ability to collect tissue samples from dead deer.

Ability to observe and record biological data.

Ability to meet and deal effectively with the hunters, landowners, co-workers, and the general public.

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 observe and record biological data.

Ability to maintain field equipment and facilities.

Ability to learn methods employed in fish and wildlife management.

Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work 40 hours per week from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sunday, and holidays.

Required to work overtime, as necessary.

Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Work location to be determined within TPWD Wildlife Region I.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.

Required to travel up to 50% with possible overnight stays depending on assigned work location.

Required to operate a state vehicle.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER