TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III (Coastal Ecologist)

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.

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.

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APPLICATIONS 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:

• 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:

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: Jacqueline (Jackie) Robinson, (361) 431-6003

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Corpus Christi Field Station, 1409 Waldron Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Ecosystem Resources Assessment Team Leader, this position performs routine (journey-level) to highly complex (senior-level) natural resources work. 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 correspondences, 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 I – No experience;

NRS II – Two years relevant experience;

NRS III – Six years 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:

Education:

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.

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, ecosystem functions;

NRS I

Skill in effective verbal and written communication with co-workers 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 field-based 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 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 non-technical audiences;

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 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;

This position is suitable to telework two days per week and the candidate may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval;

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 water-based 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;

Non-smoking environment in state buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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