HIRING CONTACT: Jessica Alderson, (210) 309-2416, Email: jessica.alderson@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Houston Urban Wildlife Office at Sheldon Lake State Park, 14140 Garrett Rd, Houston, TX 77044

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Urban Wildlife Technical Guidance Program Leader, this position is responsible for providing technical guidance to local governments, private landowners, conservation organizations, corporations and the general public regarding wildlife and natural resource management, habitat assessment, and sensitive wildlife populations. Performs professional planning, management, research and outreach duties associated with wildlife and natural resource management. Creates wildlife and habitat management plans for public and private properties. Provides technical assistance with public policy, ordinances, city and park master plans, sustainable development planning, watershed protection planning, transportation planning, and habitat management for municipalities. Assists with conflict resolution, consensus-building and community engagement to support natural resource management and urban wildlife populations. Performs complex work in the area of wildlife and natural resource conservation and management involving biological and environmental surveys, investigative research, studies and inspections. Analyzes and evaluates the results with regard to environmental impact. Conducts high visibility projects with community partners to promote wildlife and habitat activities via workshops, presentations, social media, video productions and news media outlets. Assists in training interns and Texas Master Naturalist volunteers. Actively seeks grants, partnerships and opportunities for increased funding. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

NOTE (1): Current TPWD NRS I-III may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate.
NOTE (2): College transcripts and a resume are required. A cover letter is highly recommended. 25 percent travel required.
 
Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.

Experience:

• NRS I: No experience required.
• NRS II: Two years of relevant experience.
• NRS III: Six 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.
• NOTE: Retention of position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Experience (NRS II and NRS III):
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

• Major coursework from Bachelor’s or post-Bachelor’s degree program which includes a minimum of 24 hours of Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management and/or Research from accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Experience working collaboratively with federal, state and local governments, private landowners, conservation organizations, corporations and the general public regarding wildlife and natural resource management, habitat assessment, and sensitive wildlife populations.
     
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

NRS I:

• Knowledge of wildlife species, native vegetation, ecology, and management with particular emphasis relating to urban environments in South/Central Texas.
• Knowledge of urban planning and design, storm water management issues, and conservation development issues.
• Knowledge of common habitat management techniques in South/Central Texas.

NRS II-III:

• Knowledge of NRS I PLUS:
• Knowledge of municipal and county political structure and function.
• Knowledge of advanced analytical software applicable to wildlife conservation.
• Knowledge of human dimensions of urban wildlife management.

NRS I:

• Skill in effective verbal and in written communication.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook.
• Skill in collecting scientific data.
• Skill in coordinating with the public, universities, department personnel, media representatives and other governmental agencies.
• Skill in conducting conservation education programs.
• Skill in training others.
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

NRS II:

• Skills of NRS I PLUS:
• Skill in supervising projects as assigned.
• Skill in conflict resolution.

NRS III:

• Skills of NRS II PLUS:
• Skill in initiating and managing complex projects.
• Skill in developing effective long-term partnerships with natural resource entities.

NRS I:

• Ability to supervise and motivate volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the general public and agency staff on a broad range of fish, wildlife, and habitat issues.
• Ability to understand the urban planning process.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.
• Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS II:

• Abilities of NRS I PLUS:
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report advanced scientific data.
• Ability to coordinate the work of others.
• Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

NRS III:

• Abilities of NRS I-II PLUS:
• Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work from 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 work overtime as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to use appropriate safety procedures and equipment.
• Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays.
• Required to operate a State vehicle.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.