TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I (Seasonal Bat Survey Technician)

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. 

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

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:  If you choose to claim veteran's employment preference including surviving spouse or orphan of a veteran as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach a DD214 at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Veteran's Hiring Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/
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: Nathan Fuller, (717) 649-3558
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Within 100 miles of TPWD HQ, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position focuses on summer maternity roost monitoring and population estimates using infrared video at remote field sites at night. Applicants should be comfortable with regular travel and field work balanced with extensive computer work.

The Seasonal Bat Survey Technician will conduct maternity roost monitoring surveys, highway culvert surveys, and white-nose syndrome surveillance in Central Texas. The Technician will maintain contacts with landowners and partners to arrange access to roosting sites, travel to bat roost sites (occasionally remote), conduct site visits, conduct population monitoring, collect disease surveillance data (swabs, tissue, carcasses), organize laboratory diagnostics, and curate field data. 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, regulations, and procedures.

NOTE: This is a temporary position, term will expire August 31, 2023. The successful applicant is required to be located within 100 miles of TPWD Headquarters in Austin, TX.

NOTE: The successful applicant must be vaccinated against rabies and provide documentation of an adequate rabies titer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree.

Experience:

One year of relevant professional experience.

NOTE: Internships and/or volunteer time on bat research and education projects may count as relevant professional experience.

Licensure:  

Applicant must possess a valid state driver's license;

Must provide documentation of rabies vaccination or titer check within the last two years.

NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license and vaccination.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to hike in potentially rugged terrain carrying heavy equipment, approximately 50 lbs., in all types of weather.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Science or related closely field may substitute for the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.

Experience:

Experience with bat field research methods;

Experience in scientific research and data collection methods;

Experience in curating large datasets and data visualization in Microsoft Excel and R;

Experience with near-IR and/or low-light videography;

Experience coordinating stakeholder groups;

Experience working alone in challenging field conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Texas bats and Bat Survey methods;

Knowledge of white-nose syndrome survey methods;

Knowledge of scientific sampling procedures;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication; 

Skill in operating GIS/GPS systems and other mobile applications;

Skill in collecting scientific data;

Skill in using standard office equipment;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook;

Skill in the statistical programming language R;

Skill in ArcGIS;

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

Skill in making sound judgment decisions based upon data available and in short time frames;

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

Ability to communicate effectively with the public;

Ability to organize and execute a complex project;

Ability to accurately follow detailed instructions;

Ability to work under difficult field conditions;

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

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;

Ability to work as a member of a team;

Ability to operate a State vehicle and travel to remote work locations;

Ability to maintain a positive attitude under stressful working conditions;

Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

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

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 receive pre-exposure vaccination series or provide documentation of rabies vaccination or titier check within the last two years.  Associated costs will be covered by TPWD Wildlife division;

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;

Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

Required to work in areas with heavy insect infestations;

Required to work in areas with muddy and unstable soils;

Required to work in remote field locations;

Required to travel 60% with possible overnight stays;

Required to operate State vehicle;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER