TPWD - Program Specialist VI - VII (Special Assistant to the Director's Office)

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 complete the Military Employment Preference Survey and attach this form and required documentation referenced on this form 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:

1. Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge.

2. Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

3. Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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: Rodney Franklin, (512) 389-8545

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

NOTE: Letter of Interest Required

Works closely with the State Parks Division Director and Deputy Director to develop and implement division management actions, policies and strategic direction. Manages multiple projects and responsibilities, to ensure compliance with deadlines and respond to the needs of the State Parks Division, Executive Office, and other divisions. Provides guidance to regional directors, park superintendents, headquarters and field staff on agency, division and operational issues. Develops business evaluation processes and criteria to assess the effectiveness of division programs and initiatives and suggest improvements. Evaluates programmatic and operational problems and develop management solutions for all division areas. Works with program directors to solve operational issues. Assesses the effectiveness of division programs and initiatives. Develops and delivers written and oral presentations regarding agency and division initiatives and operational issues for internal and external audiences. Serves as division coordinator for Commission meetings, developing agenda items and presentations meetings. Works with other state agencies on issues effecting state parks, coordinating actions and making operational decisions. Represents State Parks on multi-division teams to further agency initiatives. Serves as staff liaison to State Park Advisory Committee, developing strategies, preparing reports and coordinating meetings. Coordinates with non-profit partner and stakeholder groups to build park system support. Works with division's senior staff to develop and implement strategic initiatives, division budget and workforce allocation. Develops policies and procedures for division on operational and management issues. Explains procedures and policies to regional directors and field staff in order to ensure proper implementation. Serves as division legislative point of contact, performing bill analysis, meeting with legislators, testifying at legislative hearings, and responding to legislative inquiries. Responds to internal and external complaints regarding site operations, division policies, and employee conduct. Assists in conducting reviews and investigations as needed. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Program Specialist VI & VII

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

Program Specialist VI

Three years experience in providing strategic direction, developing performance measures and developing solutions for operational issues, working with legislative processes, and building public support through personal interactions.

Program Specialist VII

Five years experience in providing strategic direction, developing performance measures and developing solutions for operational issues, working with legislative processes, and building public support through personal interactions.

Licensure:

Applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree with primary focus in Natural Resource Management, Cultural Resource Management, Park and Recreation Management, Biology, Political Science or related field.

Experience:

Experience working with the federal or state legislature and managing legislative and appropriation processes and public policy for a conservation agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of resource conservation and recreation management principles and best practices;

Knowledge of TPWD policies and procedures, legislative processes, budget development;

Knowledge of Texas state government organization and management;

Knowledge of business management principles and economic concepts;

Knowledge of state and federal legislative and appropriations processes, state government administration and political environments affecting TPWD programs;

Knowledge of House and Senate rules;

Program Specialist VI:

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 using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;

Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information;

Skill in interpreting, analyzing and explaining organizational policies and procedures;

Skill in developing processes, procedures and policies;

Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;

Skill in meeting deadlines;

Program Specialist VII: Skill of Program Specialist VI; PLUS:

Skillin planning, coordinating the work of others and handling and resolving problems resourcefully;

Skill to show initiative and action on issues impacting TPWD;

Program Specialist VI:

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;

Ability to prepare correspondence, make presentations and reports;

Ability to establish goals and objectives;

Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues;

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

Program Specialist VII: Ability of Program Specialist VI; PLUS:

Ability to make presentations or provide testimony before groups or members of the legislature;

Ability to train others;

Ability to perform highly complex legislative and consultative work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;

Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary;

Required to travel 5% with possible overnight stays;

May be required to operate a State vehicle;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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