TPWD - Program Specialist IV (Accessibility Engagement Specialist)

Job Description:

TPWD - Program Specialist IV (Accessibility Engagement Specialist)

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.

EXCELLENT 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, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program. For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.


PLEASE NOTE:

All applications must contain complete job histories in the WORK HISTORY SECTION to include

• Job Title
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor and Phone Number
• Description of duties performed
• Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement. Please list those experiences 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.
• Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.
• College Transcripts are required at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted on the posting) 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 with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
• Work In Texas (WIT) Applications : WIT applicants are required to complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, login to CAPPS Recruit .

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUBMITTED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE.

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MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification

Service

Military Specialty

Program Specialist I-VII

Army

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Program Specialist I-VII

Navy

OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, 712X

Program Specialist I-VII

Coast Guard

OS, YN, OSS, PERS

Program Specialist I-VII

Marine Corps

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

Program Specialist I-VII

Air Force

8U000, 16GX, 60C0, 63G0, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0, 88B0

Program Specialist I-VII

Space Force

No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.

*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.




HIRING CONTACT: Jessica Burke, (512) 298-9036 / Email: jessica.burke@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: ADA, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas, 78744

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Join a passionate team working to make Texas public lands accessible to all. As the Accessibility Engagement Specialist you'll lead communications, community partnerships, and on-the-ground solutions that directly support people with disabilities in enjoying the outdoors.

Under the direction of the Accessibility Branch Manager within the Support Resources Division, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. This position serves as the public-facing liaison for TPWD's Accessibility Team, supporting community engagement, coordinating volunteers, responding to reasonable modification requests and managing adaptive equipment, and leading accessibility-focused outreach and communications efforts. Work involves interacting directly with visitors and stakeholders from the disability community, facilitating clear and responsive communication, and ensuring that public-facing services reflect the needs of individuals with disabilities. Supports the reasonable modification process by working one-on-one with requesters to understand their specific access needs and consulting with site staff to ensure modifications are appropriately implemented. Manages branch adaptive equipment inventory and supports other divisions' adaptive equipment programs. Tracks requests and outcomes and produces data-driven reports for internal and external review. Plans and implements outreach events and coordinates volunteers who support accessibility initiatives, including public programs and adaptive recreation events. Develops and distributes accessibility communications such as newsletters, social media content, signage, and educational videos. Contributes to internal team initiatives, including training, compliance reporting, and cross-divisional collaboration. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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 or higher.

Experience :

Two years full-time experience working with people with disabilities.

Licensure :

Must possess a valid State drivers license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or higher with major coursework in recreational therapy, disability studies, social work, special education, or related field.

Experience :

One year full-time experience adapting or modifying outdoor recreation programs and equipment for people with disabilities.

Licensure :

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADAC).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and principles of program accessibility in government settings.

Knowledge of the social model of disability and best practices for engaging the disability community in public services and programming.

Knowledge of recreation modifications and adaptations for people with disabilities.

Knowledge of accessible communication and digital accessibility standards (e.g., plain language, alt text, captioning).

Knowledge of outreach and community engagement strategies, especially for people with disabilities.

Knowledge of volunteer program development and management.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and cross-division collaboration.

Knowledge of basic principles of content marketing, social media strategy, and public storytelling.

Knowledge of state agency processes related to reasonable modifications.

Knowledge of event planning logistics and accessible program delivery.

Skill in verbal and written communication with a wide range of audiences, including the public, stakeholders, and internal teams.

Skill in writing and editing content for digital platforms, print materials, newsletters, and video scripts.

Skill in managing adaptive equipment including purchasing, maintenance, and transportation.

Skill in building trust and positive relationships with people with disabilities, family members, and advocacy organizations.

Skill in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and conducting follow up on reasonable modification requests.

Skill in using social media platforms and content creation tools for outreach and education.

Skill in video production and editing (or coordination with video teams).

Skill in recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers in support of public programs.

Skill in managing and reporting programmatic data related to outreach, modification requests, and public interactions.

Skill in prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and organizing complex information across multiple projects.

Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and applicable accessibility-related software.

Skill in working across divisions and departments to influence without direct authority.

Skill in identifying and responding to barriers faced by people with disabilities in parks, programs, or public services.

Ability to engage with individuals with disabilities in a respectful, and person-centered manner.

Ability to interpret requests for modifications and translate them into practical accommodations in field settings.

Ability to develop creative outreach approaches and compelling public messaging.

Ability to manage multiple communication channels while maintaining a consistent and mission-aligned voice.

Ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports, summaries, and recommendations.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while balancing multiple ongoing projects.

Ability to collaborate as part of a team and build effective relationships across divisions and with external partners.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD's safety program and customer service standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

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

May be required to work overtime as necessary.

Required to travel 25% with overnight stays.

Required to travel independently and haul cargo trailer to locations across the state.

Non-smoking environment in state buildings and vehicles.

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

Required to operate a State vehicle.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER



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Closing Date: Nov 14, 2025, 11:59:00 PM