Apply through the Texas Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
Link to CAPPS posting: 
https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/802/jobdetail.ftl?job=00054449&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago

HIRING CONTACT: Rachel Lange, (979) 732-4213, Email: Rachel.Lange@tpwd.texas.gov 
 
PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS:

Ecological and Environmental Planning

TPWD Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744

OR

Wildlife District 8 Office, 901 Pecan St., Bastrop, TX 78602

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position is responsible for environmental project reviews within one of the most dynamic areas of the state.  The variety and number of projects occurring within the southeastern region of Texas provides this position with ample opportunities to continuously broaden their knowledge and expertise concerning native species and the regulations, conservation opportunities, and innovations in impact minimization that affect native wildlife and habitat.  Work in this position will facilitate data-driven, effective conservation actions for the protection of Texas' natural resources.

Under the direction of the Environmental Review Team Leader, this position performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work.  This position is responsible for reviewing environmental documents related to development projects.  Performs desktop and field investigations to determine impacts of development and infrastructure on natural resources.  Prepares and communicates technical guidance for both terrestrial and aquatic biota, including those which require federal and/or state permits.  Coordinates and collaborates with federal, state, and private entities concerning development projects and impact minimization measures.  Attends meetings and hearings as a Department representative.  Participates in and facilitates regional, state, and national initiatives and discussions regarding conservation tools and resources that assist with the development of guidance communicated by the Environmental Review Team.  Collaborates with the Texas Natural Diversity Database, Landscape Ecology Program, and other Department programs.  Works under minimal supervision, with considerable 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: Cover letter and official education transcripts are required at time of application submittal.

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.  Major coursework from Bachelor’s or post-Bachelor’s degree programs must include 24 hours minimum in Wildlife/Habitat Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resources Management and/or Research from accredited college or university. 

Experience:

Five years of experience in the field of wildlife management or ecology, of which two years should be directly related to environmental impact assessment work.

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 contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may substitute for one year of the required experience in the field of wildlife management or ecology.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or closely related field in Natural Resources Management may substitute for two years of the required experience in the field of wildlife management or ecology.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:      

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Engineering, Environmental Law, or closely related field.

Experience:

Over two years experience of environmental impact assessment work with demonstrated knowledge of applicable state and federal laws such as National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.

Professional experience using GIS and/or experience interpreting biological data and models.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and understanding of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of development on wildlife and habitat.
• Knowledge of Texas wildlife and plants (particularly nongame and rare species), ecology, ecosystem functions, and natural history and associated conservation and management issues or concerns.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to environmental impacts, including but not limited to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Parks and Wildlife Code, Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and the Sikes Act.
• Skill in using standard office technology and software.
• Skill in applying varied scientific skills and experience in ecology, hydrology, biology and geology in assessing project impacts and identifying opportunities for impact avoidance and minimization.
• Skill in developing and maintaining cooperative and collaborative relationships.
• Skill in observation and synthesis of competing information and positions.
• Skill in coordinating with members of the public, elected officials, advisory boards, media representatives, Department personnel, and other governmental agencies.
• Skill in synthesizing complex information and data and summarizing clearly to various audiences.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in generating creative solutions to problems.
• Skill in navigating evolving work priorities to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Ability to understand the impacts of proposed projects on ecosystem functions, including the ability to differentiate between short and long term impacts, identify restoration potential, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ability to understand a wide variety of scenarios for project alternatives, the means and methods for project construction, and the differential impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
• Ability to communicate and work with multiple organizations to minimizing project impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
• Ability to perform field surveys across uneven terrain and in potentially adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate impacts of development projects (e.g., transportation, energy development, urban infrastructure) on natural resources.
• Ability to research findings and policy to develop recommendations or beneficial practices to avoid or minimize impacts on natural resources.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively work independently with little supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Required to work on holidays, weekends and hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as necessary.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to travel 15% with possible overnight stays.
• Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.
• Required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to comply with the non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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