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Form of workTPWD 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: Jonah Evans, (830) 431-1491
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: To Be Determined. Central Texas is preferred.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Nongame and Rare Species Program Leader, this position is responsible for conservation of subterranean and terrestrial invertebrates of Texas, with an initial emphasis on pollinators. The position aims to fulfill conservation priorities set within the Texas State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) through three primary strategies: classifying invertebrates as species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) when warranted, facilitating conservation and conservation related research needed to recover SGCN invertebrates, and communication through published articles and oral presentations.
Determines invertebrate research and conservation funding priorities, writes requests for proposals (RFPs), and reviews and selects projects for funding with Section 6, State Wildlife Grants, Conservation License Plate funds, Landowner Incentive Program, etc. Coordinates contracts to ensure project objectives are met, provides technical project support, and approves invoices and final reports. Initial focus will be on conservation of grasslands for the benefit of SGCN pollinators.
Works with citizen scientists, landowners, university professors, and others to conduct inventories, research, conservation, and habitat enhancement activities for invertebrates on private and public lands. Conducts and coordinates field research for SGCN invertebrates. Compiles and processes collected data, writes technical reports, and reviews and publishes peer-reviewed articles. Manages and maintains large datasets pertaining to Texas invertebrates.
Leads status assessments of rare, threatened and endangered subterranean, and terrestrial invertebrates to determine species to prioritize for conservation. Develops, recommends, and/or reviews policies and incentive programs to address landscape threats and challenges to invertebrates indigenous to Texas as identified in the SWAP.
Prepares and reviews popular articles and management documents, and gives oral presentations to scientific and general audiences to disseminate information and communicate the value of native invertebrate biodiversity and conservation.
Develops and maintains relationships with Department regional staff, landscape conservation cooperatives, urban planners, land trusts, and conservation agencies/organizations to encourage conservation of native invertebrates. Provides training and technical guidance to program staff, field staff, volunteers, and student interns. Coordinates with Department field staff, state and federal agencies, private landowners, and others in the formulation of habitat conservation recommendations and other conservation planning projects.
Works under minimal supervision with considerable 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Entomology or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Entomology or Invertebrate Biology.
Experience:
Five years experience as a professional biologist with a broad background of progressively responsible practical conservation/research experience.
Licensure:
Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 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:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Entomology or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Entomology or Invertebrate Biology, may substitute for one year of the required experience;
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Biology, Zoology, Entomology or closely related natural resource field with major coursework in Entomology or Invertebrate Biology, may substitute for two years of the required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Biology, Zoology, or Entomology.
Experience:
Two years directly related to Invertebrate Biologist position;
Experience with native pollinator biology and/or ecology;
Experience with freshwater, subterranean, and/or terrestrial invertebrates of Texas;
Experience with invasive species and applied ecological principles.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the life history, ecology and management needs of invertebrates indigenous to Texas;
Knowledge of the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts and techniques for species listed as threatened or endangered;
Knowledge of natural heritage methodology, the Texas Natural Diversity Database, and data management procedures;
Knowledge of principles of conservation biology;
Knowledge of rare and endangered species issues;
Knowledge of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) and other conservation planning strategies for endangered species;
Knowledge of current communication technology and strategies for delivering conservation messages to the general public;
Knowledge of the Texas State Wildlife Action Plan, State Wildlife Grant Program as well as the Landowner Incentive Program;
Skill in developing/maintaining highly cooperative relationships with co-workers as well as constituents / partners from all backgrounds, cultures, and educational levels;
Skill in coordinating with members of the public, elected officials, advisory boards, universities, media representatives, Department personnel, and other governmental agencies to find common ground among differing interests / viewpoints and successfully build trust and consensus;
Skill in effective verbal and written communication with the general public, private landowners, land managers, consultants, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations;
Skill in developing and executing outreach programs and plans to deliver conservation messages to constituents;
Skill in observing and navigating agency culture, chain of command and politics;
Skill in directing and evaluating scientific studies and surveys;
Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
Skill in using GIS and GPS to collect, manage, and analyze data;
Skill in working with databases and data entry;
Skill in serving as a liaison to technical work groups such as task forces or interagency groups;
Skill in managing projects and preparing contracts;
Ability to deal effectively with the public, private landowners, land managers, consultants, other governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGO);
Ability to coordinate scientific studies, surveys, data analysis, and complete scientific and popular reports;
Ability to utilize GIS applications or other mapping procedures relating to community and species conservation;
Ability to leverage volunteers, citizen scientists, contractors and other non-Department personnel to maximize invertebrate conservation efforts;
Ability to prepare and review technical documents concerning the conservation and management of rare, common, and/or nuisance invertebrates;
Ability to prioritize workload, meet tight deadlines, and work on multiple projects simultaneously;
Ability to function as a team member, as well as lead others as appropriate;
Ability to work effectively independently with little or no supervision;
Ability to hike to various areas to perform site monitoring, mapping and data collection;
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 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 perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;
Required as necessary to hike to various areas to perform site monitoring, mapping and data collection;
Required to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;
Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays;
Required to operate a State vehicle;
Non-smoking environment in state buildings and vehicles.
TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
