TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III-IV (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: Donovan Patterson, (903) 670-2237

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TPWD Inland Fisheries - Hatchery-Region I, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX 75752

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

As Hatchery Biologist for Inland Fisheries Hatcheries, the incumbent is responsible for performing routine (journey-level) Natural Resources work and assisting the hatchery manager in planning, coordinating, and operating a technical warmwater state fish hatchery.  Scope of duties includes planning, organizing, and coordinating fish propagation, distribution, and facility maintenance under general direction of the hatchery manager with latitude for independent action.  Conducts applied scientific experiments in all aspects of warmwater fish culture. Organizes and conducts public outreach activities. Supervises and directs a team of permanent technicians, and/or seasonal workers, interns, and volunteers.  Assist Hatchery manager in various administrative duties.  Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulation, and procedures.

NOTE: Current TPWD Natural Resource Specialist I - IV (Hatchery Biologist) employees in Inland or Coastal Fisheries will be considered as meeting minimum qualifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from and accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science or related Biological Science with major course work in fish culture and fisheries management. 

Experience:

NRS I: No experience required.

NRS II: Two years relevant experience.

NRS III: Six years relevant experience.

NRS IV: Ten years relevant experience.

NOTE: individuals currently occupying a Natural Resource Specialist I - IV (Hatchery Biologist) position in Inland or Coastal Fisheries will be considered as meeting minimum qualifications.

Licensure:

Applicant must possess a valid State driver's license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS

Experience:

Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Geology, Wildlife, or Fisheries Science, or one of the Natural Sciences may substitute for two years of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Degree in the field of aquaculture or fisheries management.

Experience:

Five years working in an aquaculture related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

NRS I-IV:

Knowledge of fish hatchery management;

Knowledge of fish culture practices;

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife

resources and their habitat;

Knowledge of flora and fauna of Texas and their ecosystems;

NRS I-IV:

Skill in the operation of a variety of scientific and analytical equipment including microcomputers and related software;

Skill in collecting scientific data;

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

Skill in training others;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, and Outlook;

Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations;

NRS I:

Ability to lead professional and technical staff;

Ability to perform administrative duties;

Ability to design scientific experiments, collect and analyze data, prepare scientific and administrative reports;

Ability to effectively communicate operations and research findings to the scientific; community, resource managers, recreationalists, students, and members of the public;

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agency staff and management to achieve common goals;

Ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines;

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

Ability to perform routine (journey-level) Natural Resources work;

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

NRS II:

Abilities of NRS I; PLUS:

Ability to perform complex (journey-level) Natural Resources work;

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

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

NRS III:

Abilities of NRS II; PLUS:

Ability to perform highly complex (senior-level) Natural Resources work;

Ability to use sound judgment in dealing with confidential matters of significant consequences;

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

NRS IV:

Abilities of NRS III; PLUS:

Ability to perform advanced (senior-level) Natural Resources work;

Ability to exercise sound judgment when making critical decisions;

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

Required to work overtime as necessary, including some evenings and weekends;

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays;

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

Required to operate a State vehicle;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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