TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III-IV (Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist)

Job Description:

TPWD - Natural Resources Specialist I-II-III-IV (Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist)

Description

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 attach the required documentation referenced below 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:
Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation). Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation. Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation. 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. 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: Ryan McGillicuddy, (512) 754-6844 x211

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Fisheries Management and Conservation, 505 Staples Rd., Bldg 1, San Marcos, TX 78666

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Conservation Team Leader, this position conducts riparian invasive species surveys, monitoring, and management in riparian habitat associated with creeks and rivers. Completes associated data entry, analysis, and reporting. Supervises volunteers and/or seasonal staff engaged in invasive species management, monitoring, prevention, and outreach. Uses ArcGIS and statistical-based analyses to create and maintain data-collection applications, guide management and outreach efforts, and develop project plans and reports. Enters data for various team projects and for equipment inventory/maintenance and performs quality control checks. Manages collaborative partnerships, grants, and contracts with agencies and nonprofit organizations to achieve landowner outreach and invasive species surveys. Oversees contractor activities to facilitate aquatic herbicide application treatment of invasive plants on public and private properties. Tracks status of surveys and treatments and performs regular quality-control activities. Reports regularly on project progress. Serves as a liaison to the public, other staff, and partner entities, utilizing excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond to questions and concerns related to riparian invasive species and relevant regulations. May serve as agency representative or alternate for regional invasive species task teams and other technical groups. Shares responsibility with the team for maintaining and preparing field equipment. Cleans and maintains chemical sprayers and other equipment and disposes of wastes following safety protocols. Conducts landowner workshops and other public outreach activities to develop key partnerships for implementation of projects related to riparian invasive species prevention and management and documentation of species distributions. Develops new educational materials and programs. Coordinates preparation of materials for outreach mailings or events. Assists with creation of social media content. May conduct applied research focused on the distribution, ecology, and impacts of invasive species in riparian and freshwater systems, and development of prevention and management strategies. May write management plans, technical reports, popular articles, and peer-reviewed articles for scientific journals. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.


Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Earth Sciences, or related field.

Experience :

NRS I : No experience required

NRS II : Two years of relevant experience;

NRS III : Six years of relevant experience;

NRS IV : Ten years of relevant experience.

Licensure :

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class "C" Texas driver's license;

Must be able to obtain, within six months of employment, a Texas Department of Agriculture Non-Commercial/Political Herbicide Applicator License, Subcategory 6 (Aquatic).

NOTE : Retention of the position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required licenses.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Earth Sciences, or related field may substitute for one year of relevant experience;

Graduation from an accredited college or university with Ph.D. degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Earth Sciences, or related field substitute for two years of relevant experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Master's degree in an accredited college or university in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Earth Sciences, or related field;

Coursework in ArcGIS;

Coursework in statistical analysis, preferably biometrics;

Coursework in scientific writing or scientific communication.

Experience :

Experience in biological sampling;

Experience in public outreach and developing effective partnerships with landowners and other entities to facilitate land management, research, and biological monitoring efforts;

Experience using ArcGIS to create effective project maps and analyze data;

Experience in basic statistical analysis of scientific data;

Experience in writing research or other project proposals and plans and scientific or administrative reports.

Licensure :

Current or Previous licensure as Texas Department of Agriculture Non-Commercial/Political Herbicide Applicator, Subcategory 6 (Aquatic).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of flora and fauna of Texas and their ecosystems;

Knowledge of aquatic ecology;

Knowledge of aquatic invasive species and their ecology;

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

Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management principles, including the use of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods;

Knowledge of experimental design principles and implementation;

Skill in using MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and Adobe products;

Skill in the use of intermediate functions of MS Excel (e.g., formulas, graphing);

Skill in the management of contracts, including review of budgets and invoices;

Skill in effective and professional verbal and written communication to a variety of audiences;

Skill in the use of ArcGIS at an intermediate or advanced level to create maps;

Skill in the use of ArcGIS at an intermediate or advanced level to analyze and display data;

Skill in the use and maintenance of scientific equipment and field sampling gear (e.g., data sondes, seines, kick nets);

Skill in basic descriptive statistical analysis and graphical representation of scientific data;

Skill in safely trailering, loading, launching and operating boats;

Ability to multi-task effectively and prioritize workload while maintaining attention to detail;

Ability to work independently and follow protocols, with latitude for independent decision making;

Ability to fully participate in water based sampling activities;

Ability to conduct aquatic and riparian invasive species surveys, monitoring, and management in creeks, rivers and reservoirs;

Ability to participate in public outreach activities and review and development of outreach and educational materials;

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

Ability to contribute to science-based recommendations on aquatic invasive species or impacts to imperiled native species;

Ability to interpret and communicate regulations related to exotic species;

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

Ability to represent the department on local and regional scales with invasive species task teams and other technical or stakeholder groups;

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 perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions (e.g., heat);

Required to participate in water based sampling activities;

Required to operate a State vehicle;

Required to travel 25% 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



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Closing Date: Jan 1, 2025, 11:59:00 PM