Tpwd Natural Resource 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: Brittany Lee: (281) 2998027, Email: brittany.lee@tpwd.texas.gov
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Science and Policy Resources, Dickinson Marine Lab, 1502 FM 517 East, Dickinson, TX 77539
GENERAL DESCRIPTION :
Under the direction of the Ecosystem Resources Assessment Team Leader, this position serves as technical advisor for staff, agencies, landowners, and others providing information about freshwater and saltwater fish, mollusks, and wildlife, habitat needs and impacts (including water quality and freshwater inflows), and recommendations to avoid and minimize impacts. Reviews proposed activities for compliance with relevant agency rules, regulations, and policies. Solicits internal reviews as needed and compiles technical guidance into correspondence, reports, briefs, restitution packages, manuscripts, proposals, and other work products representing coordinated views of the agency. Responds to pollution events, investigates fish and wildlife kills, and performs water quality testing to assess impacts to fish and wildlife resources. Coordinates environmental response, investigation activities, and environmental reviews with internal and external partners. Develops, manages, and/or supports habitat conservation and restoration projects in collaboration with internal and external partners. Enters environmental data into appropriate logs and databases. Participates in internal and external meetings and workgroups concerning coastal natural resource work. Communicates and interacts with the public, scientific community, conservation partners, and regulatory agencies. Assists and supports internal and external partners as needed. Works as an effective member of the team. Operates equipment safely and maintains equipment and facilities. Performs additional duties as needed. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Education :
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a relevant Bachelor's degree OR higher degree in Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology or closely related field.
Experience :
NRS IA No experience required.
NRS IB One year of relevant experience.
NRS II Two years of relevant experience.
NRS III Six years of relevant experience.
Licensure :
Must possess or be able to obtain within thirty days of employment a valid Texas Class C driver's license.
NOTE: Retention of position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS :
Education :
NRS II and III ONLY: Master's degree in Aquatic Biology, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, Zoology (aquatic emphasis), Toxicology (aquatic emphasis) or a related discipline providing a strong technical background in Aquatic Biology, Limnology, Chemistry and/or Hydrology may substitute for one year of relevant experience.
NRS II and III ONLY: Ph.D. degree in Aquatic Biology, Fisheries Science, Environmental Science, Zoology (aquatic emphasis), Toxicology (aquatic emphasis) or a related discipline providing a strong technical background in Aquatic Biology, Limnology, Chemistry and/or Hydrology may substitute for two years of relevant experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Experience :
Experience reviewing or preparing technical environmental documents.
Experience coordinating with state or federal partners regarding environmental issues.
Experience working from or operating marine vessels.
Experience collecting environmental data.
Experience participating in fish kill or oil spill assessment and/or response.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Knowledge of coastal ecology including habitats (aquatic and terrestrial), fauna (fish, birds, wildlife, etc.) and flora (seagrass, algae, dominant plants, etc.).
Knowledge of environmental issues that affect fish and wildlife resources.
Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulatory programs affecting fish and wildlife resources.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication with coworkers and public including data compilation, analysis, interpretation, report writing, and giving presentations.
Skill in performing field work in coastal environments (boating, navigation, sea conditions, weather) and using field sampling equipment to collect sediment, water, and biological samples.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with TPWD staff, the public, other State and Federal agencies, and conservation partners (including the ability to train others).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :
NRS I:
Knowledge of boats, outboard motors, trailers, and vehicle operation and basic maintenance.
Knowledge of coastal ecology including habitats (aquatic and terrestrial), fauna (fish, birds, wildlife, etc.) and flora (seagrass, algae, dominant plants, etc.).
Knowledge of environmental sampling techniques and methods.
Knowledge of environmental issues that affect fish and wildlife resources.
NRS II:
Knowledge of Natural Resource Specialist I; PLUS:
Knowledge of State and Federal laws affecting fish and wildlife resources.
NRS III:
Knowledge of Natural Resource Specialist II; PLUS:
Knowledge and understanding of environmental regulations and regulatory programs affecting water quality, water quantity, and ecosystem functions.
NRS I:
Skill in effective verbal and written communication with coworkers and public.
Skill in using personal computers and various general software applications.
Skill in identification of coastal habitats, flora, and fauna.
NRS II:
Skill in Natural Resource Specialist I; PLUS:
Skill in applying specific data handling software packages and data analysis.
Skill in performing field work in coastal environments (boating, navigation, sea conditions, weather).
Skill in the use of field equipment to collect sediment, water, and biological samples including water quality meters.
NRS III:
Skill in Natural Resource Specialist II; PLUS:
Skill in data compilation, analysis, and report writing.
Skill interpreting environmental data and understanding implications to fish and wildlife resources.
NRS I:
Ability to participate in fieldbased sampling activities.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to function in a team environment.
Ability to operate boats.
Ability to perform routine (journeylevel) natural resources work.
Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS II:
Ability of Natural Resource Specialist I; PLUS:
Ability to design and conduct water quality, biological, and habitat studies.
Ability to review, interpret, summarize, and comment on technical or environmental documents.
Ability to prepare and make written and oral reports/presentations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Ability to perform complex (journeylevel) natural resources work.
Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
NRS III:
Ability of Natural Resource Specialist II; PLUS:
Ability to work with TPWD staff, the public, other agencies and conservation partners.
Ability to train others.
Ability to perform highly complex (seniorlevel) natural resources work.
Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
Required to work, as needed, hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Required to operate a state vehicle.
Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays.
Required to respond to emergencies.
Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Required to adjust to changing schedules.
Required to work overtime as necessary.
Required to perform work in waterbased field activities, including work aboard seagoing vessels.
Required to lift, push, and pull heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.).
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