HIRING CONTACT: Stephen Lange, (903) 566-1626 x 221

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: TBD in Wildlife Region 3 (Within 75 miles of Tyler regional headquarters). Position will be assigned to an appropriate district, project, or regional office centrally located in East Texas (Region 3) based on business need.
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the supervision of the Regional Director, the Migratory Game Bird Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. Responsible for leading Wildlife Region 3 staff in design and implementation of migratory game bird habitat developments, enhancements, grant proposals, and research projects on both public and private lands. Assists with development of wetland permit requests; reviews proposed regulations and wetland-related projects on Wildlife Management Areas (22). Serves as a technical committee representative to the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture - West Gulf Coastal Plain Initiative.  Serves as a TPWD non-voting representative to the Texas Water Development Board on regional Flood Planning and Water Planning groups. Assists regional staff in development of site-specific plans related to potential habitat acquisition projects. Provides leadership in developing in-service habitat management training. Acts as Wildlife Division point of contact with the Conservation Delivery Network (CDN) and other related partnership-programs as assigned. Coordinates migratory game bird conservation projects (e.g., dove, waterfowl, woodcock). Other duties include technical assistance to private landowners; develops specific management bulletins, brochures and audiovisual materials on the wetlands and waterfowl for the Division. Provides lead role in migratory game bird related issues to include waterfowl surveys, research, and disease monitoring in Region 3.  Performs advanced (senior-level) natural resources work. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. Performs additional duties as assigned.

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 course work 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 as a professional wildlife biologist, migratory game bird biologist, wetland ecologist or closely related natural resources scientist.

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 (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type 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 departmental 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:
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:
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.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD 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:
In the application of bottomland hardwood silviculture and forestry management practices relating to the conservation of bottomland hardwoods, riparian corridors, and other forested habitats important to migratory birds.

Licensure:       
Current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type II certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of wetlands wildlife, habitat, and habitat management requirements and techniques.
• Knowledge of bottomland hardwood silviculture and forestry practices in east Texas, including, but not limited to the application of herbicide and prescribed fire in timber management.
• Knowledge of plant and animal taxonomy with special emphasis on wetland-dependent species.
• Knowledge of wetland habitat mitigation processes, wetland permitting and wetland delineation/determination.
• Knowledge of issues relating to the management and conservation of bottomland hardwoods, riparian corridors, and other forested habitats important to migratory birds.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook.
• Skill in using GIS/GPS software.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations.
• Ability to conduct scientific studies, surveys, data analysis and complete scientific and popular publications.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing on a range of waterfowl, wildlife, and wetland issues.
• Ability to deal effectively with private landowners, land managers, advisory boards, universities, the media, consultants, governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as the general public.
• Ability to conduct low level aerial waterfowl surveys.
• Ability to operate field equipment such as airboats, outboard boats, ATV/UTV’s, tractors, and associated implements.
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple assigned tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, agency staff and management to achieve common goals.
• 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:

• 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 use appropriate safety procedures and equipment.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to work overtime as necessary.
• Required to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Required to operate a state vehicle.
• Required to travel 25% with possible overnight stays.
• Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

TPWD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

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.

PLEASE NOTE:  

All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.  

Job history and volunteer experience should be listed in the work history section of the application 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. If this information is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.

Applications with “See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state ‘unknown’ for any incomplete fields. 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 SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:  Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login. CAPPS Recruit, https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en 

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

Job Classification | Service | Military Specialty
Natural Resources Specialist I-V | Army | 92W
Natural Resources Specialist I-V | Navy | AG, 180X, 680X
Natural Resources Specialist I-V | Coast Guard | MST, MSSR, OAR15
Natural Resources Specialist I-V | Marine Corps | 6842, 6862, 6802, 8831
Natural Resources Specialist I-V | Air Force | 1W0X1, 9S100, 15WX
Natural Resources Specialist 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:

• 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.

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 the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. Click HERE to view our Benefits page.