TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III (Hatchery Biologist)

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:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Army

92W

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Navy

AG, 180X, 680X

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Coast Guard

MST, MSSR, OAR15

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Marine Corps

6842, 6862, 6802, 8831

Natural Resources Specialist I-V

Air Force

1W0X1, 9S100, 15WX

*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: Jennifer Butler, (979) 292-0100 EXT 225
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Hatchery Manager, this position is responsible for performing fish hatchery work that involves fish propagation and distribution, in addition to maintenance on equipment and the facility of a high-tech warm water state fish hatchery. Provides leadership to staff by assisting with the supervision of hatchery technicians, seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers. Responsible for assuring a high level of quality control in facility personnel management. Provides technical assistance and staff support as required. Assists with data analysis, report writing, and scientific experiments to further develop and expand the discipline of fish culture or enhance the overall productivity and efficiency of hatchery operations. Organizes and conducts public outreach activities. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in Fisheries Sciences, Mariculture, Marine Biology, or closely related field. 

Experience:

NRS I: No experience required;

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 class "C" Texas driver's license.

Note: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required License. 

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

NRS II: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Fisheries Sciences, Mariculture, Marine Biology, or closely related field may substitute for one year of relevant experience;

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. degree in Fisheries Biology, Mariculture, Marine Biology or closely related field may substitute for two years of relevant experience;

NRS III: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Fisheries Biology, Mariculture, Marine Biology or closely related field may substitute for one year of relevant experience;

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. Fisheries Biology, Mariculture, Marine Biology or closely related field may substitute for two years of relevant experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree (or Ph.D.) in Fisheries Sciences, Mariculture, Marine Biology, or closely related field.

Experience:

One year of experience as a TPWD Fish Hatchery Biologist or two years as a TPWD Fish Hatchery Technician.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

NRS I:

Knowledge of fish hatchery methods, and conservation issues;

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program area;

NRS II: Knowledge of NRS I, PLUS:

Knowledge of hatchery equipment, operations and maintenance;

Knowledge of pertinent research and fisheries management techniques and theories;

NRS III: Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS:

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with fish hatchery operations and water intake and discharge;

Skills:

NRS I:

Skill in using a computer with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill in effective work habits, being task efficient, being reliable, and able to follow instructions;

Skill in meeting deadlines;

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;

Skill in making independent, sound and timely decisions;

Skill in using a computer;

Skill in safe operation of full-size trucks and pulling a fish hauling tank/trailer;

NRS II: Skill of NRS I, PLUS:

Skill in technical and public speaking;

Skill in public relations;

Skill in operating basic scientific equipment and computer programs;

Skill in the use of graphic database, statistical and analytical programs;

Skill in interacting and communicating effectively verbally and in writing in technical issues to diverse groups, including TPWD staff, the public, and governmental agencies;

Skill in training others;

NRS III: Skill of an NRS II, PLUS:

Skill in planning, assigning and/or supervising the work of others;

Skill in providing direction and guidance to less tenured staff;

Skill in managing several projects simultaneously;

Skill in reviewing, interpreting, summarizing, and commenting on technical documents;

Ability:

NRS I:

Ability to work independently with little to no supervision;

Ability to communicate effectively with the public;

Ability to use sound judgment when making critical decisions;

Ability to function in a team environment;

Ability to maintain effective working relationships;

Ability to follow instructions;

Ability to perform administrative duties;

Ability to perform manual labor, including, but not limited to, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

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

Ability to work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;

NRS II: Ability of an NRS I, PLUS:

Ability to prepare concise reports;

Ability to lead others;

Ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines;

Ability to design scientific experiments, collect and analyze data; 

Ability to work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment;

NRS III: Ability of an NRS II, PLUS:

Ability to establish goals and objectives;

Ability to manage program activities;

Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays;

Required to adjust to changing schedules;

Required to work overtime as needed;

Required to respond to emergencies and on-call situations;

Performs work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;

Required to work in various environmental conditions including heat, enclosed spaces, heights, noise, dust and fumes given proper safety precautions and equipment;

Performs work in water-based field activities, including work aboard seagoing vessels;

Required to perform manual labor, including, but not limited to, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

May be required to operate a State vehicle;

Required to travel 15% with possible overnight stays;

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