HIRING CONTACT: Kory Gann, (737) 226-4542      kory.gann@tpwd.texas.gov 

PHYSICAL WORK ADDRESS: Office location TBD; Must be within 100 miles of TPWD Headquarters in Austin

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the leadership of the Big Game Program Director, the CWD Program Specialist performs highly complex to advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Assists TPWD staff with all issues involving Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), across the state including developing and disseminating relevant information regarding CWD, and assisting with CWD herd plan creation, issuance and compliance for CWD positive and trace breeding facilities and release sites.  Work involves: input, review, and analysis of information; verification and quality control of program data; preparing the agency’s CWD reports; organizing and tracking traces; reviewing annual compliance, collaboration with the TPWD Wildlife Permits Office to ensure correct program administration; coordinating meeting between customers, TPWD and stakeholders, collecting and analyzing data on program efficiency and effectiveness; monitoring for developments in National and State CWD programs and policies, and developing and maintaining other technical and special reports. Works under limited supervision with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency and Division rules, regulations, and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Epidemiology or closely related field.
Experience:
Program Specialist IV - Three years of professional experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology, animal health, epidemiology or associated field, with experience in analyzing data, developing and implementing spreadsheets, and using Excel, and other office data management software.
Program Specialist V - Five years of professional experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology, animal health, epidemiology or associated field, with experience in analyzing data, developing and implementing spreadsheets, and using Excel, and other office data management software.
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 the education fields may be substituted for one year of the required qualifying experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology, animal health, epidemiology or associated field.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD degree in the education fields may be substituted for two years of the required qualifying experience in the field of wildlife biology, ecology, range science, biology, wildlife disease ecology, animal health, epidemiology or associated field.
     
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of chronic wasting disease.
• Knowledge of animal health programs and epidemiology.
• Knowledge of computers and computer programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Knowledge of accepted business practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical computer software.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations and rules related to big game species.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, administrative codes, and statutes.
• Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of wildlife diseases.
• Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Skill in using computers and computer programs used for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations;
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other State agencies and organizations.
• Skill in implementing effective and efficient work protocols.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in data entry, statistical analysis, and preparing reports.
• Skill in interpreting statues, budgets, proclamations, policies, procedures, statistics, and complex biological issues.
• Skill in managing several projects simultaneously.
• Skill in defusing constituent conflicts while conveying statutory or regulatory provisions and Department policy.
• Ability to perceive and recognize problems and develop recommendations and implement solutions.
• Ability to lead special projects.
• Ability to develop graphs, charts, presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with audiences, to handle high level administrative issues, to analyze and solve work related problems.
• Ability to assign and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to effectively communicate with constituents, law enforcement personnel and personnel from other state, local or federal agencies and research institutions.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously and to re-prioritize work activities as a result of short and changing deadlines and numerous interruptions.
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, and under stressful conditions.
• Ability to interpret statutes and regulations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to provide clear and concise oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 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 adjust to changing schedules.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• 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 

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. 

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS

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. Click this link to access CAPPS Recruit  

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY CODES:

• Job Classification | Service | Military Specialty
• Program Specialist I-VII | Army | No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Program Specialist I-VII | Navy | OS, YN,  YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, 712X
• Program Specialist I-VII | Coast Guard | OS, YN, OSS, PERS
• Program Specialist I-VII | Marine Corps | No Military Crosswalk. Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Program Specialist I-VII | Air Force | 8U000, 16GX, 60C0, 63G0, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0, 88B0
• Program Specialist I-VII | 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:

1. Veteran- DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

2. Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried- Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

3. Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty- Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

4. 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.

5. 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