Local recruitment: Natural Resources Specialist I - II - III (Water Resources Stewardship and Planning Biologist)

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Austin, TX, USA 🇺🇸

Organization: PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Primary Location: Texas-Austin Work Locations: DW-TPWD Headquarters

4200 Smith School Road, Austin 78744

Job: Management

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

State Job Code: 2682, 2683, 2684

Salary Admin Plan: B

Grade: 15, 17, 19

Salary (Pay Basis): 3,399.17 – 4,811.73 (Monthly)

Number of Openings: 2

Overtime Status: Exempt

Job Posting: Jan 31, 2023, 3:48:27 PM

Closing Date: Feb 15, 2023, 12:59:00 AM

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 can be found at http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

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 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.



TO APPLY:  Application must be completed at:  https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

HIRING CONTACT: Marty Kelly, (512) 389-8214

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

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Water Resources Program Leader, this position applies and develops science and policy to inform water related management activities, projects, and permits that may affect fish and wildlife resources. Coordinates departmental activities and responses to state and regional water and flood plans and other water resource projects.  Represents the department in technical workgroups and committees and acts as a lead scientist or expert on complex scientific issues for the department. Works with stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, water rights holders, river authorities, and state agencies to identify and implement voluntary environmental flow protection and restoration strategies. Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division, Branch, and Program rules, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D degree in Biology, Ecology, Geography, Hydrology, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, or one of the Natural or Physical Sciences.

Experience:

NRS I:   No experience required; 

NRS II:  Two years relevant experience;

NRS III: Six years relevant experience.

Licensure:  

If driving is required, applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license. 

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education: 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in a related area of Natural Sciences may be substituted for one year of required experience;

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in a related area of Natural Sciences may be substituted for two years of required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Hydrology, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, or one of the closely related field. 

Experience:

Experience coordinating and working directly with diverse stakeholder groups;

Experience with freshwater, estuarine and/or marine faunal ecology and identification;

Experience with analyzing natural resources data and statistical techniques;

Experience with instream flow, water level, and/or freshwater inflow evaluations;

Experience conducting field investigations;

Experience with environmental assessments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

NRS I:

Knowledge of ecological, biological, hydrological and/or scientific principles and techniques;

Knowledge of aquatic and/or coastal ecosystems in Texas;

Knowledge of Texas flora and fauna, including distributional patterns and life history characteristics;

Knowledge of riverine and/or estuarine processes;

Knowledge (basic) of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat;

NRS II, Knowledge of NRS II, PLUS:

Knowledge of water permitting, water planning, and environmental flows in Texas;

Knowledge (working) of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat;

NRS III, Knowledge of NRS III, PLUS:

Knowledge (expert) of applicable laws, regulations, and policies dealing with conservation of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat;

NRS I:

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

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

Skill in negotiating with varied stakeholder groups to advance TPWD’s mission and goals;

NRS II, Skills of a NRS I, PLUS:

Skill in analyzing natural resources data and preparing concise reports and technical publications;

Skill in developing recommendations to conserve fish and wildlife resources;

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

Skill in performing field assessments of aquatic, estuarine, and/or riparian habitats;

NRS III, Skills of a NRS II, PLUS:

Skill in organizing and leading teams of biologists and technicians, including coordinating and leading complex field activities;

NRS I:

Ability to participate in teams of professional and technical staff;

Ability to maintain working relationships with superiors, subordinates and peers;

Ability to place priorities on workloads and meet deadlines;

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

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;

NRS II, Ability of a NRS I, PLUS:

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

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

NRS III, Ability of a NRS II, PLUS:

Ability to effectively communicate investigation and research findings to the scientific community, resource managers, peers and members of the general public;

Ability to serve as mentor and train less senior staff;

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 perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;

Required to fully participate in water based sampling activities;

Required to operate a State vehicle;

Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays;

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

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development