TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

Job Description:

TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Operations Trainee)

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

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  Job Title
  
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  Dates of employment (month/year)
  
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  Hours worked per week
  
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  Name of Employer, Name of Supervisor and Phone Number
  
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  Description of duties performed
  
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  Volunteer experience credit is counted toward any experience requirement. Please list those experiences to receive credit towards meeting the minimum requirements.
  
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  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.
  
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  Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state 'unknown' for any incomplete fields.
  
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  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.
  
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  Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
  
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  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

Park Ranger I-V

Army

11B, 11C, 11A

Park Ranger I-V

Navy

RS, SN, YN, YNS

Park Ranger I-V

Coast Guard

MST, MSSR

Park Ranger I-V

Marine Corps

0300, 0365, 0369

Park Ranger I-V

Air Force

9T000

Park Ranger I-V

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:

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  Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).
  
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  Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
  
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  Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.
  
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  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.
  
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  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: Thomas Milone, (979) 200-0012

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Rd 40W, Huntsville, TX 77340



GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under the direction of the Park Superintendent, this position performs routine (journey-level) operations work in a state park and is designed to provide an avenue to obtain relevant experience to be competitive for future positions in park operations, such as: management, interpretation/education, administration, maintenance, resource protection, law enforcement, etc. Duties include but are not limited to: performing a complete range of tasks to learn all aspects of park administration, operations and management; natural and cultural resource management; facility, grounds and equipment maintenance management; interpretation and education programming and management; customer service, fee collection, revenue control and fiscal accountability; marketing and promotional programming; park patrols to include visitor contact and law enforcement observation. Performs special projects/assignments and attends selected training programs to enhance the overall working knowledge and skills related to operational and management activities. May assist other State Parks in operations support and natural resource management. 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: TPWD is an at-will employer, and acceptance of a trainee position does not create an employment contract or alter the nature of the at-will relationship.


Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

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

Experience :

No experience required.

Licensure :

Applicant must possess a valid State driver's license at time of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Park Administration, Recreation and Parks, Public Administration, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resources Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology, Archeology, History or closely related field.

Experience :

Experience in working with the public.

Experience as a supervisor or team leader.

Experience in revenue or budget management.

Bilingual in any of the following languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic or American Sign Language.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of park operations and maintenance practices.

Knowledge of natural and cultural resources fundamentals.

Knowledge of financial and business practices.

Knowledge of human resource practices and procedures.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

Skill in using standard office equipment.

Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.

Skill in meeting deadlines.

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

Ability to provide educational and interpretive programs to varying audiences.

Ability to learn and use all required Windows based programs associated with all park operations, i.e., reservation, budget/accounting, registration and reports.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to accurately handle cash and account for revenue collected.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

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

Ability to handle complaints, emergencies, stressful situations, and large groups of people.

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 :

A trainee may apply and compete for available positions at any time during their trainee assignment. If a trainee is not successful in acquiring a non-trainee position within 36 Months from their initial trainee assignment date, they may be assigned to any available position in the State Park system. This may result in reduction in grade/classification, reduction in pay and relocation. Declining the assignment will result in separation of employment from TPWD. Future advancement may include positions with park police officer requirements, to include successful completion of the required background checks, physical and psychological exams, TCOLE licensing and State Park law enforcement academy. An extension beyond the 36 month period may be authorized by the Division Director or the Deputy Division Director on a case-by-case basis. The Trainee will be required to sign a letter, accepting the conditions of employment.

Required to work in a public park with overnight camping.

Required to work 40 hours per week with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Required to respond to emergencies and on-call situations.

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

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

May be 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, 2026, 11:29:00 AM