HIRING CONTACT: David Veale, (361) 790-3585, Email: david.veale@tpwd.texas.gov

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Wildlife Region 5, District 10. This position is located in Frio County, Texas.  Candidate will be expected to live in Frio County.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the District 10 Leader, this position is responsible for performing the professional planning and implementation of natural resource management, monitoring, and research duties associated with wildlife and habitat resources in Frio counties within the South Texas Plains ecological region of the Brush Country Wildlife District.  Provides technical assistance and public outreach programs to the general public, private landowners/land managers, sportsmen, and new constituencies. Develops comprehensive wildlife management plans for private landowners upon request.  Disseminates information to the general public through news releases, radio/TV interviews, program presentations, and other public outreach and educational opportunities. Performs administrative duties and prepares technical reports, popular articles, and professional journal publications. Responsible in assigned area for public relations and educational/extension efforts to involve private citizens and organizations in support of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) programs. Identifies public hunting and non-consumptive use opportunities on public and private lands.  Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. 

NOTE (1): Natural Resources Specialist (NRS) I salary will be commensurate with experience and/or completion of an advanced degree.  Current TPWD NRS I-III employees may apply for this position at their current classification title and at the established Wildlife Division salary rate.  Career Ladder progression is available dependent upon business need.

NOTE (2): College transcripts are required. A cover letter and resume are highly recommended.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management.  Major coursework from Bachelor’s or post-Bachelor’s degree programs must include a minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods.

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 state driver’s license.

Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II (FFT II) certification.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license and certification.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to pass, within one year of employment, the FFT II moderate duty physical fitness standard (walk 2 miles with a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less) OR the arduous duty physical fitness standard (walk 3 miles with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less).

Required to conduct (without air sickness) low-level aerial fixed wing aircraft and helicopter surveys. TPWD employees are required to comply with aircraft weight restrictions. Weight limit restrictions prohibit flight with passengers that weigh in excess of 300 pounds. Must meet weight restrictions to accomplish annual low-level aerial surveys.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon meeting and maintaining physical requirements.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Education:

NRS I-II-III:  Current Associate Wildlife Biologist certification OR current Certified Wildlife Biologist certification issued by the Wildlife Society may substitute for the required minimum of 24 hours in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and/or Research Methods from Bachelor's or post-Bachelor's degree program.

Experience:

NRS II and III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for one year of the required experience.

NRS II and III ONLY: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Range and Wildlife Management, or closely related field in Natural Resource Management may substitute for two years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Experience working with rural landowners.

Experience with big game management.